In vitro propagation of a grape rootstock, deGrasset (Vitis champinii Planch.): Effects of medium compositions and plant growth regulators

The aim of the present study was to develop a protocol for in vitro propagation of a grape rootstock, deGrasset, characterized by high tolerance to drought and salinity. Four medium compositions, MS, MS with 1/2 nitrates (MS-1), B5 and WPM, were tested for shoot growth from nodal explants and MS-1 medium produced significantly higher rate of shoot proliferation. MS-1 medium supplemented with 2.0 mg/L BAP was found to be optimum for culture establishment. The first subculturing on the same medium resulted in the production of 4–6, mostly short, hyperhydrated shoots per explant. For subsequent subcultures, a reduced concentration of BAP (1.0 mg/L) was used to prevent hyperhydricity, and that resulted in distinct individual shoot elongation. Three plant growth regulators, BAP, ZEA and TDZ, were tested for further shoot proliferation and BAP at 1.0 mg/L added to MS-1 medium displayed the highest proliferation rate (4.75 new explants per explant inoculated, in 6 weeks). For in vitro rooting of shoots, IAA at 0.2 mg/L was found to be optimum to produce highest response (84%) and an average number of 2.03 roots per shoot whereas use of IBA or NAA resulted in rooting with high frequency of callus formation. The acclimatized plantlets were established in soil under net house conditions with 87% success.