In vitro propagation of some Syrian varieties of olive ( Olea europaea L.)

Five local olive varieties ( Olea europaea L.), Dan, Sorani, Tadmury, Tiffahi and Zeiti, were collected from the field. Internode explants of each were micropropagated on modified MS and Rugini medium (olive medium).The shoot growth and dry weight of the Dan, Sorani and Zeiti varieties increased significantly on modified MS. Similar results were observed for Tiffahi in Rugini medium. Modified MS and Rugini media had similar effects on the growth and dry weight of Tadmury.Two concentrations (3 and 5 mg l −1 ) of three auxins (IAA, IBA and NAA) were used for the in vitro rooting stage. A higher percentage of in vitro rooting was observed on medium containing 5 mg l −1 IBA.