Micropropagation of Lingonberry: Influence of Genotype, Explant Orientation, and Overcoming TDZ-induced Inhibition of Shoot Elongation Using Zeatin

In an attempt to improve the micropropagation protocol for lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea L.) developed at the Centre, two lingonberry clones were compared for in vitro shoot proliferation on two different media supplemented with varying levels of thidiazuron (TDZ). TDZ supported proliferation at low concentrations (0.1 to 1 μm) but inhibited shoot elongation. However, usable shoots were obtained within 4 weeks by transferring shoot cluster to medium containing 1 μm zeatin. Genotypes differed significantly with respect to multiplication rate with `EL1' producing the most shoots per explant. In both genotypes, shoot proliferation was greatly influenced by explant orientation. Changing the orientation of explants from vertically upright to horizontal increased axillary shoot number, but decreased shoot height and leaf number per shoot. Proliferated shoots were rooted on a 2 peat: 1 perlite (v/v) medium, and the plantlets were acclimatized and eventually established in the greenhouse.

A Two-step Procedure for Adventitious Shoot Regeneration from in vitro-derived Lingonberry Leaves: Shoot Induction with TDZ and Shoot Elongation Using Zeatin

The effects of TDZ (0, 0.1, 1, 5 and 10 μm) and explant orientation on adventitious shoot regeneration of `Erntedank' lingonberry were studied. Moderate concentration (1 to 5 μm) of TDZ supported bud and shoot regeneration, but strongly inhibited shoot elongation. TDZ initiated cultures were transferred to medium containing 1-2 μm zeatin and produced usable shoots after one additional subculture. Adventitious bud and shoot regeneration was greatly influenced by explant orientation. Elongated shoots were rooted on a 2 peat: 1 perlite (v/v) medium, and the plantlets were acclimatized and eventually established in the greenhouse with 80% to 90% survival rate.

A Highly Efficient In Vitro Cranberry Regeneration System Using Leaf Explants

A very efficient adventitious regeneration (shoot organogenesis) system for cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon Ait.) leaves was developed. A basal medium consisting of Anderson's rhododendron salts and Murashige and Skoog's (MS) organics, supplemented with 10.0 μm thidiazuron (TDZ) and 5.0 μm 2ip, was effective for adventitious regeneration from leaves for the five cranberry cultivars tested: `Early Black', `Pilgrim', `Stevens', `Ben Lear', and `No. 35'. Parameters examined included: 1) varying combinations of three plant growth regulators (TDZ, 2ip, and NAA); 2) explant orientation (adaxial vs. abaxial side in contact with the medium); and 3) leaf position relative to the apical meristem from the source plant. Cultivars varied in regeneration frequency, but cultivar × growth regulator interaction was nonsignificant. With optimal treatment conditions, regeneration occurred on more than 95% of the explants, with `Early Black' and `Pilgrim' producing as many as 100 shoot meristems per explant. At all concentrations tested, NAA (as low as 0.1 μm) increased callus formation and significantly reduced regeneration. Emerging adventitious shoots were always observed on the adaxial side of the leaves regardless of explant orientation on the medium. Regeneration was much greater when the abaxial side was in contact with the medium, and was not related to leaf position on the source plants. Elongation of adventitious shoots began ≈2 weeks after transfer to the basal medium without growth regulators. Cuttings of elongated shoots rooted 100% both in vitro in the basal medium and ex vitro in shredded sphagnum moss. The high regeneration efficiency achieved by using this system will be very useful in the application of techniques, such as Agrobacterium- and particle bombardment-mediated transformation. Chemical names used: 1-phenyl-3-(1,2,3-thiadiazol-5-yl) urea (thidiazuron, TDZ); N6-(γ-γ-dimethyallylamino) purine (2ip); α-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA).