In vitro propagation of Ceratonia siliqua L. the Mediterranean tree

ABSTRACT

A procedure was developed a protocol for the micro propagation of Ceratonta siliqua L by using shoot tips. Explants were cultured on MS and WPM media at different salt strengths, 2.0, 1.75, 1.50, 1.25 and full strength free basal medium without any growth regulators. Iso the effect of the full strength, 3/4, 1/2 and 1/4, of KDW Juglans medium was investigated in the establishment stage. Effect of MS full strength media and 1.25 WPM full strength with different type, of cytokines BA, Kin, ZT and 2ip, were studied at various concentrations [3.5, 7.0 and 10.5 mgl[-1]] for each with addition of 0.1 mgl[-1] IBA and 0.170 mgl[-1] ZnSo4.7H20. In addition, IBA at 1.0, 2.0, 4.0 and 8.0 mgl[-1] was investigated to clarify their effects on the growth and development of shoots in the multiplication stage. In the rooting stage, the effect of 1.25 WPM supplemented with IBA at 4.9, 9.9 and 19.9 mgl[-1] was studied. Shoot culture initiation was greatly influenced by the type of media and the concentration of cytokinin or auxin. Results showed that shoot growth at the starting stage required 1.25 WPM full strength medium or MS full strength [basal free medium without any growth regulators] while shoot multiplication required MS or 1.25 WPM full strength medium supplemented with BA at 7.0 mg1 and MS or 1.25 WPM medium supplemented with 10.5 mgl[-1] Kin, with addition of 0.170 mgl[-1] ZnSO[4].7H[2]O. Shoot length was significantly affected by the presence of 1.25 WPM supplemented withi9.9 mgl[-1] IBA. Despite various auxin treatments shoots formed no roots in vitro but rooted readily when transferred to a peat substrate ex vitro. Un rooted shoots were acclimated and successfully transferred to peat moss 11 sand with 75% of the surviving plants