Optimization of in vitro tissue culture of cherry laurel (Prunus laurocerasus L.) plant

Cherry laurel (Prunus laurocerasus L.) is renowned for its ornamental value in landscapingdue to its glossy, dark green leaves and fragrant white flowers. However, beyond its aesthetic appeal, cherry laurel possesses several phytochemical properties contributing to its biological significance. One of the primary phytochemicals in cherry laurel is cyanogenic glycosides, such as amygdalin. Cherry laurel contains triterpenoids, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, and tannins, which offer various pharmacological activities. Cherry laurel regeneration can ocur naturally through seed dispersal or artificially through vegetative propagation methods. Seed dispersal facilitates genetic diversity and natural regeneration in suitable habitats. At the same time, in vitro micropropagation offers significant advantages for the propagation, conservation, and genetic improvement of cherry laurel, facilitating sustainable cultivation practices and the development of novel varieties to meet diverse market demands. The aim of the study was to conduct an in vitro micropropagation experiment using shoot tips of Cherry laurel (Prunus laurocerasus L.) plants collected from Lüleburgaz district of Kırklareli province, Turkey, with different combinations of plant growth regulators. During the sterilization stage of the collected explants from outdoor conditions, mercury chloride (HgCl2) was utilized, and the successful result was obtained from a medium containing 0,1% HgCl2for 8 minutes. The best regeneration result was achieved from MS medium containing 1 mg/l BAP, 0.5 mg/l GA3, and 0.1 mg/l IBA. Shoots reaching a length of 5 cm after 21 days were transferred to a rooting medium. Rooting was observed in all mediums within four weeks, with The strongest and longest root was obtained from 0 MS medium containing 2 mg/l IBA, 0,5 mg/l GA3, and 0,15 g/l Fe-EDDHA. Finally, rooted plants were transferred to pots in the greenhouse. Keywords: Cheery Laurel, in vitro, Micropropagation, Rooting, Ornamental Plant, Fe-EDDHA