Acta Univ Latv (2004) 676: 251–256

Application of antioxidants in rooting of Prunus avium L. microshoots

Abstract

The influence of antioxidants on in vitro rooting, acclimatization and ex vitro growth of sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) microshoots was studied. Trials were conducted with Estonian sweet cherry cultivar 'Kristiina'. Four antioxidants were tested: glutathione (reduced form), dithiothreitol, propyl gallate and ascorbic acid. The in vitro rooting and subsequent growth of plants in greenhouse was promoted by antioxidants, but the influence on acclimatization was not always significant. The in vitro rooting of microshoots was most improved by 0.25 mM dithiothreitol: 27 % more shoots formed roots compared to untreated shoots. Dithiothreitol 0.25 mM improved the acclimatization of the plants in the greenhouse. The shoot and root growth of cv. 'Kristiina' was most vigorous also on plants that were rooted in vitro in the presence of 0.25 mM dithiothreitol.