Effect of sodium nitroprusside on micropropagation and biochemical parameters of CAB-6P and Gisela 6 cherry rootstocks

The effects of sodium nitroprusside (SNP) on micropropagation of CAB-6P and Gisela 6 cherry rootstocks were investigated. Shoot multiplication of CAB-6P was reduced by adding 4.4 μM 6-benzylaminopurine (BA) and SNP. Gisela 6 microcuttings treated with BA + 30 μM SNP gave the highest average shoot number (4.15) and multiplication percentage (100%). In CAB-6P, α-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) + 30 μM SNP led to the maximum root number (13.79) and fresh weight (0.336 g); average root length (82 mm) and rooting percentage (95.45%) were greatest after adding 40 and 10 μM SNP + NAA, respectively. In Gisela 6, NAA + 40 μM SNP resulted in the highest root number (9.75) and fresh weight (0.238 g), while NAA + 30 μM SNP enabled maximum root length (30.77 mm). Rooting percentage was greatest (84.62%) when Gisela 6 microcuttings were treated only with NAA. Application of SNP alone in CAB-6P reduced leaf chlorophyll, carbohydrate, and prοline levels. In contrast, 30–50 μM SNP increased leaf chlorophyll levels of Gisela 6. SNP augmented leaf carbohydrate and proline content, but it diminished root carbohydrate content. In BA + SNP or NAA + SNP treatments, changes in biochemical constituents were dependent on SNP concentrations and genotypes.