Optimizing in vitro propagation of Rosa persica

Rosa persica with a distinctive red eye is a good candidate for addition to the breeding pool of roses. In order to optimize micropropagation of R. persica, three culture media (MS, QL and VS) were compared. The maximum growth rate was observed in the VS medium. Addition of FeEDTA (Fe: 65.4 mg/1), calcium gluconate (Cg: 2.7 g/1) and Gamborg vitamins (B5) instead of VS vitamins, alone or in combination with VS medium were compared. The maximum growth rate was obtained in the medium containing VS + Cg + B5 (VSCgB5). Various concentrations of BAP (0, 2, 4 and 8 µM ) in combination with 3 µM GA3 showed that maximum growth rate was attained in the medium containing 8 µM of BAP. To reduce vitrification, effects of the type of gelling agent (8 g/1 agar, 4 g/1 phytagel and 2 g/1 agar + 3 g/1 phytagel) and sucrose concentrations (30, 45 and 60 g/1) were investigated. The results showed that agar could completely eliminate vitrification and was the superior gelling agent for R. persica, whereas different sucrose concentrations did not have a significant effect on vitrification. At the rooting stage, half-strength VS mineral salts and vitamins containing IBA (0, 0.25, 0.5, and 1 µM) and NAA (0 and 0.5 (µM) were investigated. The results showed that there was not a significant difference between different rooting media in the percentage of rooting or in the number of roots per plantlet.