Study on in vitro propagation of some promising quince (Cydonia oblonga) cultivars

Among pome fruit trees, quince is the most susceptible tree to fire blight. Following selection of several promising quince cultivars, this research aimed at optimization of in vitro propagation protocol of the selected materials. Therefore, several experiments were carried out for determination of the best culture medium and plant growth regulators for establishment, proliferation and root induction of these cultivars. At first, proliferation and growth of KVD4, NB2 and PH2 genotypes were compared with Quince C and cv. Isfahan (KVD3) as control, in three culture media based on MS, QL and modified QL, in which mQL was observed to have the highest growth, and the best proliferation and shootlets quality. Then, mQL as the base culture medium was used to study effects of 2ip and BAP in two 0.5 and 1 mg/L concentrations. Based on the results, the culture medium containing 2ip (0.5 mg/L) and BAP (1 mg/L) showed the highest number and quality of shootlets. Finally, having examined root induction of the shoots in two long term treatments with IBA, 0.1 mg/L alone, and simultaneously with IBA and BAP (both 1 mg/L), and in short term treatment with IBA at 0.5, 1 and 2 mg/L concentrations, showed that the short term treatment gave better root induction. Also, the highest percentage of roots, leaf development, length and quality of roots resulted in short term treatment with 2 mg/L IBA.