The studies on the micropropagation of almond (Amygdalus communis L. cv. Nonpareil)

In this study, methods were developed for organogenesis of almond, "Amygdalus communis L. cv. Nonpareil" using tissues of zygotic embryos isolated from mature seeds and lateral, apical buds of mature trees. Effective surface sterilization methods were achieved for the production of sterile explants from zygotic embryo and mature lateral, apical and flowers buds of Amygdalus communis Lev. Nonpareil. The factors for controlling rapid production of plantlets, the culture initiation, proliferation, rooting and acclimatisation of plantlets derived from seedlings and mature trees were investigated. The results obtained are described below. Zygotic embryos were cultured in MS medium containing different concentrations of cytocinin (BAP, BA and kinetin). Best results for axenic germination was obtained with low BAP concentrations (0.5-1.0 mg l"1). The zygotic embryos germinated on the MS medium without PGR (Plant Growth Regulator ) were cultured in different BAP concentrations (0.1 - 0.5 - 1.0 - 2.0 mg l"1). The effect of BAP at different concentration on shoot proliferation was investigated and the concentrations of 1.0 - 2.0 mg l"1 BAP were found to be the most effective. Effects of the strength of MS medium on shoot proliferation were examined. The highest number of proliferated shoots was obtained on the full strength MS medium (1/1) compared to the others (1/2 - 1/4 - 2/1). The effect of explant source used for multiplication was also investigated. Explants with nod and an leaf gave better proliferation then the other explant types tested. Apical and lateral buds from mature trees were cultured on MS medium containing 0.5 - 1.0 mg l"1 BAP, 40 g/1 sucrose and 0.7 % agar. A maximum of 2-2.5 fold shoots was obtained on MS medium with 1 mg l'1 BAP from lateral buds after 4 subculture. 50 % of explants cultured on 1/2 MS medium with 8 mg l"1 IAA was rooted. In all the in vitro rooted shoots were successfully adapted at in vivo condition. Flower buds were cultured in MS medium containing different auxin concentrations and the dense callus formation was observed at 2.0 mg l"1 2,4-D.