Effect of the ethylene inhibitors silver nitrate, silver sulfate, and cobalt chloride on micropropagation and biochemical parameters in the cherryrootstocks CAB-6P and Gisela 6

Authors: VIRGINIA SARROPOULOU, KORTESSA DIMASSI-THERIOU, IOANNIS THERIOS

Abstract: In the present study, the effects of three ethylene inhibitors, silver nitrate (AgNO₃), silver sulfate (Ag₂SO₄), and cobalt chloride (CoCl₂), on the morphogenic and biochemical responses in CAB-6P and Gisela 6 cherry rootstocks were investigated. In both rootstocks, AgNO₃ and Ag₂SO₄ promoted shoot regeneration while CoCl₂ had such an effect only in Gisela 6. The rooting percentage of CAB-6P and Gisela 6 explants was diminished with AgNO₃, Ag₂SO₄, and CoCl₂. AgNO₃ increased root number (40 μM) and root length (50 μM) in the CAB-6P rootstock while it had an inhibitory effect in Gisela 6. Ag₂SO₄ and CoCl₂ enhanced root length of Gisela 6 explants whereas Ag₂SO₄ decreased root number and root length of CAB-6P explants. CoCl₂ at 10 μM in both rootstocks augmented root number whereas 20 μM CoCl₂ increased root length of CAB-6P microshoots. AgNO₃, Ag₂SO₄, and CoCl₂ decreased leaf chlorophyll and carbohydrate content in CAB-6P rootstock. On the other hand, in Gisela 6, 10 μM AgNO₃ gave elevated chlorophyll levels and 20 μM AgNO₃ or 10-50 μM CoCl₂ raised leaf carbohydrate content. The three ethylene inhibitors led to elevated leaf proline levels in the CAB-6P rootstock, whereas in Gisela 6 the increase or decrease in leaf proline content was dependent on both type and concentration of ethylene inhibitor. An efficient micropropagation protocol was established for the CAB-6P and Gisela 6 cherry rootstocks using ethylene inhibitors.

Keywords: Carbohydrates, cherry rootstocks, chlorophyll content, ethylene inhibitors, micropropagation, shoot multiplication, proline, rooting

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