Floating system improves acclimatization of micropropagated pear plantlets

In vitro propagation of plants with valuable economic qualities is found to be highly useful for obtaining large quantities true-to-type of planting material.
Rooting and acclimatization of woody plants are two of the key steps in the success of micropropagation.
The application of a floating system could be a promising way to optimize the acclimatization of micropropagated woody plants.
The aim of the present study was to develop a reliable floating system for acclimatization of micropropagated pear plantlets.
Micropropagated and rooted plantlets from pear rootstock OHF 333 (Pyrus communis L.) were planted in styrofoam forms filled with peat and perlite (2:1) and then immersed in trays filled with different nutrient solutions – Knopp, Hellriegel or Pryanishnikov.
The plantlets potted in the same peat and perlite (2:1) mixture without nutrient solution served as control.
All plants were grown in a greenhouse under high humidity conditions for one week and then humidity was gradually decreased.
Data on stem and root length, fresh and dry weight, photosynthetic pigment content were collected 45 days after transplanting to ex vitro conditions.
All treatments in the floating system induced high successful acclimatization rate and better growth.
The plants grown in a floating system with Knopp’s solution had the highest dry mass, number of leaves and photosynthetic pigment content.

IV International Symposium on Horticulture in Europe – SHE2021

D. Aleksandrova, N. Dimitrova, V. Nikolova, L. Nacheva

floating system, micropropagation, nutrient solution, pear rootstock

https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2021.1327.97