Study of Somatic Embryogenesis and Artificial Seed Production in Grapes(Vitis vinifera L.) Cultivars

Propagation of seedless grape varieties by artificial seeds is important. In order to evaluate the effect of grape cultivars and medium on somatic embryogenesis and artificial seed production, an experiment was carried out based on completely randomized as a factorial design. Leaf explants of four grape varieties were cultured on 1/2 MS medium in four different levels of plant growth regulators. Results showed a statistically significant difference (1%) between the cultivars and levels of growth regulators for somatic embryogenesis. However, their interaction was not significant. The [3.8 mg/l TDZ + 0.2 mg/l NAA] composition showed the highest embryogenesis (65%). In addition, we investigated the effect of two combinations of artificial seed hydrogel capsules [(1/2 macro-elements of B5 medium and micro-elements of MS medium and 1st capsulation medium) and (macro-elements of B5 medium and micro-elements of MS medium and 2nd capsulation medium)] and four grape cultivars on artificial seed germination. Results showed that there were significant differences between grape cultivars (p<0.05) and capsulation media (p<0.01). Crimson Seedless cultivar had the highest artificial seed germination (65%) in 2nd capsulation medium. Mean comparison indicated that artificial seed germination in the 1st capsulation medium was more (52.62%) than 2nd capsulation medium (20.62%).