Effect of chitosan on in vitro proliferation of grape (Vitis vinifera L.) Bidaneh Ghermez cultivar

In this research, the effect of different concentrations of chitosan (with low molecular weight) on in vitro proliferation of grape cultivar, ’Bidaneh Ghermez‘, was evaluated. 30 days after establishment, elongated shoots were cultured on the half strength Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with 0.5 mg/l BAP, 0.1 mg/l IBA and different chitosan concentrations (0, 10, 20, 40 and 80 mg/l). The experiment was based on completely randomized design with five replications. Based on the results, the number of shoots, wet and dry weight of biomasses, leaf surface and chlorophyll index were highest at 40 mg/l chitosan. The highest shoot length and diameter were observed at 20 and 40 mg/l chitosan. The highest internode length was seen both in the control and 40 mg/l chitosan. In general, 40 mg/l chitosan significantly improved the proliferation. As a result it can be used as a growth stimulant material to increase for in vitro proliferation of this grape cultivar.