MICROPROPAGATION AND ACCLIMATIZATION OF EUROPEAN VARIETIES OF GRAPES (VITIS VINIFERA L)

MICROPROPAGATION AND ACCLIMATIZATION OF EUROPEAN VARIETIES OF GRAPES (VITIS VINIFERA L). Naila Ali, Humera Afrasiab, Sabahat Anwar Department of Botany, University of the Punjab, Lahore ABSTRACT An efficient, rapid and reproducible in vitro plant regeneration protocol was developed for European varieties of Vitis vinifera L. (Red Globe, Crimson Seedless, Autumn Royal and Thompson) using nodal explants on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium which was fortified with different cytokinins and auxins with varying concentrations. The cultivars responded differently to the different PGRs used for In vitro micropropagation. The browning of the explants due to phenolics (Flavon-3-ols, tannins etc.)was reducedby washing 3-4 times with a mixture of antioxidants(Citric acid and Ascorbic acid in concentration of 150 mg/L and 100 mg/L respectively). The surface sterilization of explants was done with 0.01% HgCl2 for 5-7 min. for getting aseptic cultures.The best combination for efficient shoot induction and multiplication was MS medium supplemented with BAP 2.0 mg/L for Thompson, with KN1.0 mg/L for Crimson, with BAP 4.0 mg/L for Autumn Royal and with BAP 1.0 mg/L for Red Globe, whereas the best rooting was obtained on ½ MS medium supplemented with IBA 2.0 mg/L for all varieties. The regenerated plantletswere successfully established in sand + soil (1:1) for hardening. KEYWORDS: Vitis vinifera, TDZ, BAP, KN, Micropropagation, Acclimitization