Possibility of propagation of Sorbus domestica L. through microcuttings and seeds

Sorbus domestica L. (service tree) is a long-lived deciduous tree belonging to the Rosaceae family, primarily distributed in central and southern Europe.
It is utilized not only as a fruit-bearing tree but also as a medicinal plant and for the production of quality wood.
Moreover, the service tree plays a significant role in enhancing landscape diversity across Europe.
With its remarkable ecological attributes, including longevity and drought resistance, optimizing propagation methods is essential for increasing the production of valuable S. domestica genotypes.
Previous experiments focused on optimizing the rooting phase in micropropagation and overcoming seed dormancy in generative propagation.
In our study, microcuttings from in vitro cultures of two genotypes were utilized for ex vitro rooting, treated with rooting powder containing varying concentrations of indole-3-butyric acid (IBA). Root formation occurred within a steamed peat-perlite substrate.
The study revealed that genotype and partially auxin treatment significantly influenced root production.
In generative propagation, cleaned seeds were soaked either in a solution of 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) or in a solution of gibberellic acid (GA₃), followed by stratification.
Application of NAA led to a 12.5% increase in germination rates.

EHC2024: International Symposium on Genetic Resources in Horticulture: Screening, Propagation, Use, and Conservation

J. Šedivá, D. Zahradník, Z. Špíšek

service tree, micropropagation, seeds, ex vitro rooting, dormancy, plant growth regulators

https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2025.1439.36