Advances in the micropropagation of service tree (Sorbus domestica L.)

Nodal segments and shoot tips were used as explants, deriving from winter shoots of a mature Sorbus domestica tree (> 80 years old). Explants were cultured for micropropagation on MS medium supplemented with 4.44 mu M BA and 0.05 mu M IBA. Best proliferation and shoot elongation were achieved on MS media supplemented with 8.87 mu M BA, 0.49 mu M IBA, and 0.29 mu M GA(3). The use of red tinted filters further enhanced, both shoot proliferation and elongation. The best rooting results (33%) were obtained by microcutting quick-dip in 19.6 mM K-IBA and transfer for rooting on half strength NIS medium. Our micropropagation protocol was applied by the private micropropagation company, "Fytotechniki", for large-scale prop agation of Sorbus domestica.