Clonal propagation of Citrus sp. cultivars using direct cultivation of in vitro meristems

Abstract

In order to increase the effectiveness of in vitro production of virus-free citrus seedlings, we assessed the effect of composition of different culture media on the development of shoot Apex meristem. The meristem were extracted, disinfected and inoculated in MS medium added with different combinations and concentrations of growth regulators. The best genotypeculture medium interaction was considered when the meristem obtained probability of developing greater than 0.75. The media culture that promoted best response had in its composition the presence of at least two (ANA and GA3; BAP and GA3; BAP and ANA) or the three growth regulators at low concentrations. Callus formation from the meristem was observed in all cultivars. The highest survival rate of meristem occurred in culture media with 0.5mg/L of ANA and 0.25 and 0.50mg/L of GA3. Direct cultivation of citrus did not prove to be promising. However, a suitable signal in the culture medium was settled to induce the early development of the shoots and callus differentiation in meristematic cells.