The Issues of Apricot (Prunus Armeniaca L.) Micropropagation

Abstract

The effect of four modified mediums for apricot multiplication was observed in this study. A total number of 1864 single nodes of 20 Prunus armeniaca L.varieties were established. Explants surface was disinfected with 0.2 % mercuric chloride for 5 minutes. MS (1962) medium with 0.5 mg.l−1 BA, 0.01 mg.l−1 NAA and 0.5 mg.l−1 GA3 was used as a medium for primary culture. ‘Velkopavlovická’, ‘Bergeron’, genotype 1128 and genotype LE 2927 Š9 were successfully transferred to aseptic conditions and multiplied. Modified MS medium (1962), DKW/Juglans medium, Quoirin, Lepoivre (1977) medium and Marino et al. (1991) medium were used for multiplication. Modified MS medium and modified DKW/Juglans medium were not suitable for apricot multiplication at all and explants did not grow. The best results were observed in the case of Quoirin, Lepoivre (1977) medium with 0.4 mg.l−1 BA and 0.01 mg.l−1 NAA. Young plants multiplied well, were fresh and vital and no damage was observed. The highest number of new shoots was observed in the case of Marino et al. (1991) medium. The average growth of new shoots after the last passaging was 600 %, rate 7.33 (Velkopavlovická); 566 %, rate 7.0 (Bergeron); 475 %, rate 6.25 (1128) and 483 %, rate 6.33 (LE 2927 Š9)). However, new shoots in clusters were too dense and stunted and this medium is not recommended for apricot multiplication.