Abstract

Possibility of long-term storage in vitro of Deutzia scabra Thunb. shoots and their genetic stability were evaluated. The effect of mannitol concentrations (20 and 40 g/L), presence and absence of activated charcoal (AC) and temperature (24 or 4°C) in MS medium were studied in respect to survival percentage, number, length, leaves number of axillary shoots and RAPD–based DNA fingerprints. The data revealed that the highest survival (%) was produced on medium without mannitol (irrespective of AC). The highest numbers of shoots were recorded on control medium and medium containing 20 g/L mannitol without AC after 3 months. The longest shootlets was recorded on medium without mannitol and with AC after 12 months. Shoots were recovery after different conservation periods; all treatments during the different conservation periods were live except shoots were incubated at 4°C after 12 months irrespective of AC and after 9 months without ACwere dead. Preliminary RAPD analysis found no differences between plants stored for 12 months and the mother plants were conserved on medium without mannitol (irrespective of AC), while the differences preserved on mannitol treatments were found.

Key words: In vitro conservation, Deutzia scabra Thunb., mannitol, low temperature, activated charcoal and RAPD DNA.