Effective factors on micropropagation of wild almond (Amygdalus scoparia Spach)

Wild almond (Amygdalus scoparia Spach.), with a wide distribution in Iran, is a medicinally and ecologically important plant. This species is exposure to genetic erosion, so it should be considered for reclamation. Vegetative propagation of selected trees of the species depends on optimization of various methods such as micropropagation. In this study, effects of different genotypes, culture medium and application of plant growth regulators on micropropagation characteristics of A. scoparia (number of buds and shoots, shoot length and leaf freshness) were investigated. Results showed that sampling date and type of genotype had significant effects on all characteristics tested. The best sampling date for the highest shoot and lateral axillary bud production was 10 days after application of the plant growth regulator. Different genotypes significantly varied in axillary bud production. As an overall conclusion, different stands of wild almond responded differently to micropropagation. Therefore, presenting a unique culturing medium with similar effects on different genotypes needs more investigation. Application of plant growth regulators on target plants before sampling could alleviates the problem. However, genotype number one was relatively better based on number of buds and shoot length. DKW culturing medium was better than MS medium for propagation of wild almond.