Abstract
A simple system for in vitro conservation of cork oak shoot cultures (Quercus suber L.) is described. Cultures were stored in vitro on multiplication medium at 5±1 °C without an intervening subculture for two years. The viability, multiplication rate and shoot elongation were evaluated after storage under dark and light conditions. Culture viability was negatively affected by light. In contrast, 50% of cultures survived after two years of cold storage in the dark. Multiplication rate of dark-stored cultures was similar to the controls, and shoot elongation was significantly higher. Although the assessment of multiplication rate/shoot elongation is done at the end of the first multiplication cycle, we observed that at least in some species such as Quercus suber, it is advisable to study the responsiveness of cultures during the first three multiplication cycles following storage. The rooting capacity of shoots produced from dark-stored cultures was similar to non-stored controls. Cultures stored for 6, 12 or 24 months without subculture have similar responsiveness as the ones subcultured monthly. The storage of cultures at 5 °C in the dark appears to be a promising technique for medium-term conservation of cork oak germplasm.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Dodds JH (1991) In Vitro Methods for Conservation of Plant Genetic Resources. Chapman and Hall, London
Engelmann F (1991) In vitro conservation of tropical plant germplasm. Euphytica 57: 227–243
Gresshoff PM & Doy CH (1972) Development and differentiation of haploid Lycopersicon esculentum (tomato). Planta 170: 161–170
Hausman J-F, Neys O, Kevers C & Gaspar Th (1994) Effect of in vitro storage at 4 °C on survival and proliferation of poplar shoots. Plant Cell Tiss. Org. Cult. 38: 65–67
Janeiro LV, Vieitez AM & Ballester A (1995) Cold storage of in vitro cultures of wild cherry, chestnut and oak. Ann. Sci. For. 52: 287–293
Marino G, Rosati P & Sagrati F (1985) Storage of in vitro cultures of Prunus rootstocks. Plant Cell Tiss. Org. Cult. 5: 73–78
Orlikowska T (1992) Effect of in vitro storage at 4 °C on survival and proliferation of two apple rootstocks. Plant Cell Tiss. Org. Cult. 31: 1–7
Pierik RL (1990) Rejuvenation and micropropagation. IAPTC Newsletter 62: 11–21
Romano A, Noronha C & Martins-Loução MA (1992) Influence of growth regulators on shoot proliferation in Quercus suber L. Ann. Bot. 70: 531–536
Withers LA, Wheelans SK & Williams JT (1990) In vitro conservation of crop germoplasm and the IBPGR databases. Euphytica, 45: 9–22
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Romano, A., Martins-Loução, M.A. In vitro cold storage of cork oak shoot cultures. Plant Cell, Tissue and Organ Culture 59, 155–157 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1006465706905
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1006465706905