INFLUENCE OF METHANOL EXTRACT IN SHOOT PROLIFERATION OF PLUM (PRUNUS DOMESTICA .) CV “SHENGJINE” BY IN VTRO PROPAGATION

Trials were undertaken to develop a method for rapid propagation of this commercial early cultivar of plum and to overcome supply problems for extending it. A micropropagation method is described using single-node and shoot apical explants from plants grown in the field. Shoot proliferation was obtained on modified MS medium supplemented with 0.5 mg GA3, 0.1 mg IAA and different concentrations of BAP (0.5; 1; 1.5 and 2 mg/l). Explants were rooted on a medium similar to that for shoot development, but without cytokinins and with IBA at 0.5;1and 1.5 mg/l. Shoot proliferation and shoot length was improved by the addition of crude extracts from shoot apicals of the same plants,collected in March, to the nutrient media at 30 mg/l. Rooted explants were transferred to pots containing equal volumes of peat and perlite. About 75% survived.