Preservation of Quercus Robur and Quercus Petraea Genetic Resources through In Vitro Culture

Abstract

In this paper, the effect of various factors (clone, initial explant, sterilization method, and culture medium) on the in vitro multiplication of pedunculate and sessile oak species was tested. No influence of clone was found and a 44-83% survival rate was found for different types of explants, the best result being that of using mature acorns germinated in vitro. The most efficient sterilization method was: mercuric chloride 0.2 mg/l, ascorbic acid 1 mg/l, for 30 min., with or without antibiotics. The best results were obtained with GD medium complemented with 0.5 mg/l BAP and 0.1 mg/l IBA, which allowed obtaining a high rooting percentage. The regenerated plants were transferred in vivo, in a climate-controlled greenhouse.