Optimization of Conditions for In Vitro Culture of Selected Arbutus unedo L. Genotypes

Abstract

The strawberry tree is an evergreen shrub tree that grows on sea-facing slopes under a Mediterranean climate. It has a key role in the lives of the rural inhabitants of forested areas and is one of the most promising species for developing new approaches in cultivation for improved fruit. As a result of the growing interest of farmers, selection studies have focused on the selection of highly productive varieties of Arbutus unedo, whereby there is a requirement for the selected varieties to be propagated at a large scale. In this study, the in vitro propagation potential of the selected A. unedo genotypes, YV2 and YV4, was investigated. The best results in terms of decreasing browning with a high level of sterilization were achieved with 50% ethanol (1 min) and 20% NaCIO (12 min) for both shoot tip and nodium explants. In terms of growth performance, both genotypes displayed the highest proliferation rate in WPM medium-supplemented with BAP (2.0 mg/L) and with added IBA and GA3 (0.1 mg/L each), in which the shoot number and elongation were also the highest. YV2 microcuttings showed higher rooting rates when cultured in WPM medium, with an added 2.0 mg/L IBA, whereas the addition of 4.0 mg/L NAA was optimal for YV4. The resulting root quality was sufficient for surviving the acclimatization stage. The genotype effect was clear in all stages during the in vitro propagation for all growth parameters.

Strawberry Tree Fruits and Leaves (Arbutus unedo L.) as Raw Material for Sustainable Functional Food Processing: A Review

“…Some countries have implemented selection programs aimed at selecting strawberry tree genotypes with high fruit quality, promoting extensive cultivation, and preventing deforestation and excessive harvesting [21]. Given the growing interest of farmers, the selected cultivars need to be multiplied on a large scale using appropriate propagation techniques [3]. In Portugal, adult plants were selected and micro propagated to optimize fruit production and quality.…”

“…Carl Linnaeus described and named the strawberry tree in volume one of his seminal 1753 work "Species Plantarum" with the Latin name Arbutus unedo, which is still used today [2]. The strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo L.) has long been used by people in the Mediterranean region mainly as fresh food or processed in various products, as medicine or as wood fuel for heating and cooking [3]. The strawberry tree belongs to the Ericaceae family and forms specific arbutoid mycorrhizae with some fungi [4].…”

“…[2]. The strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo L.) has long been used by people in the Mediterranean region mainly as fresh food or processed in various products, as medicine or as wood fuel for heating and cooking [3]. The strawberry tree belongs to the Ericaceae family and forms specific arbutoid mycorrhizae with some fungi [4].…”

Somatic Embryo (SE) Formation from Culturing Floral Explants of Rubber Tree (Hevea brasiliensis Muell. Arg.) and Assessment of Genetic Stability by RAPD and SSR Markers

“…However, some SEs produced in this study only root (Figure 2a) or shoot (Figure 2b). It might be associated with meristem malfunction or asynchronous growth that requires an additional rooting or shooting step to recover complete plantlet as reported in some other species [37][38][39].…”

Liquid Culture System for In Vitro Propagation of Physalis minima L. a Threatened Medicinal Plant

“…The present study encountered two challenges; firstly, marginal contamination events were observed during initial commencement of experiments including callus induction. This issue was curtailed via improving and strictly adhering to the recommended aseptic guidelines for plant tissues (Singh, 2018;Durul and Memis, 2022). Overall, 90% of our culture remained free from any contamination (Table 3).…”