Micro-Propagation Methodology for the Apple Balady Cultivar Utilizing Leaf Explants

Abstract

The objectives of this study are to establish a tissue culture and rapid micro-propagation technological system, as well as an efficient shoots regeneration method utilizing leaf explants from the Balady apple genotype. The effects of various types and amounts of cytokinin and carbon sources on shoots regeneration were studied using in vitro leaves as explants for adventitious shoots induction. The optimal medium for inducing callus from leaf explants was MS medium containing 2.0 mg/l BA and 5.0 mg/l NAA. MS medium supplemented with 3.0 mg/l BA + 1.0 mg/l Kin + 0.5 mg/l NAA were the optimal medium for apple shoots differentiation and proliferation. MS medium supplemented with 2.0 mg/l TDZ and 0.1 mg/l NAA was the best medium for shoots regeneration, producing the greatest number of shoots (20.32 shoots /jar). The addition of 30 g/l of Sorbitol to the culture medium was the most efficacious for in vitro shoots proliferation. With a combination of 2.0 mg/l GA₃ and 3.0 mg/l BA, the most strong growth and elongation were achieved. The medium with the highest rooting rate of 87.6% was ½ MS with 1.5 mg/l IBA added.