Alternative system for micropropagation of Prunus campanulata (Maxim.)

Herein, an in vitro multiplication protocol for Prunus campanulata was evaluated. The effects of 15.0, 30.0, and 45.0 g L⁻¹ sucrose and three flask sealing methods (PVC film, rigid polypropylene lid, and rigid lid with membrane) were analyzed at the multiplication, rooting, and acclimatization stages. For in vitro multiplication, shoot tips of approximately 1 cm in length containing two pairs of leaves from seedlings germinated in vitro in Woody Plant Medium (WPM) were used. Evaluations considered the multiplication of shoot apexes in three subcultures (at 40, 80, and 120 d) for survival, number of shoots, shoot length, number of leaves, and multiplication rate. In the rooting phase, the rooting percentage, number of roots, and root length were assessed. In the acclimatization phase under shaded and full sun conditions, seedling survival and biometric characteristics were evaluated, including stem diameter, height, and number of leaves. The addition of sucrose to the medium, at a concentration of 45.0 g L⁻¹, associated with sealing using PVC plastic film, showed inadequate results for in vitro multiplication of P. campanulata. The addition of sucrose to the culture medium in concentrations ranging from 15.0 to 30.0 g L⁻¹ favored in vitro rooting. The use of a permeable membrane for sealing enabled the growth of more vigorous shoots in terms of percentage of rooting and root length, and these seedlings stood out in the acclimatization phases with greater rates of survival and improved biometric characteristics.