Abstract
Abstract
This study aimed to establish callus induction and organogenesis to create a reliable micropropagation protocol for the mass production of pomegranates from seeds, which will facilitate future molecular research. In vitro propagation provides a viable method for large-scale production of pomegranate planting material, supporting commercialization efforts. Micropropagation can be achieved through meristem regeneration, adventitious shoot formation, or somatic embryogenesis. Established protocols typically use explants such as leaf segments and cotyledons for callus regeneration.
Seven local cultivars of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) - Masafik, Melisse, Radisho, Armishte, Sahraban, Halapja, and Dwarf pomegranate - were cultivated in the Kurdistan region of Iraq from October 2020 to February 2023. The purpose was to test their callus induction and organogenesis to establish efficient protocols for mass production and future molecular studies. The results showed that treating the seeds by soaking them in water and a salicylic acid solution separately for 24 hours increased seed germination in some cultivars. It was observed that the leaves responded better than the cotyledons for callus induction. Furthermore, the combination of MS salts plus 1.5 mgl-1 BAP supplemented with 1.5 mgl-1 NAA significantly increased callus induction. In addition, Armishte and Shahraban explants exhibited positive responses for callus induction, followed by Masafik, Radisho, Melisse, Halapja, and Dwarf. The combination of 3.0 mglˉ¹ BAP with 0.5 mgl-1 NAA resulted in a higher percentage of shoot organogenesis and regenerated plantlets derived from callus. Conversely, 2.0 mglˉ¹ BAP + 0.5 mglˉ¹ NAA and 1.0 mgl-1 BAP + 0.5 mglˉ¹ NAA protocols showed lower responses, respectively.
Main Subjects
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