Mohammad Matani Borkheyli - Department of Horticulture, Karaj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Karaj, Iran
Seied Mehdi Miri - Department of Horticulture, Karaj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Karaj, Iran
Amrollah Nabigol - Department of Horticulture, Abhar Branch, Islamic Azad University, Abhar, Iran

Purpose: Micropropagation of GF677 rootstock, the most widely clonal rootstock used in peach orchards, is an important method for large-scale production of disease-free plants. In this research, effects of media, plant growth regulators and carbohydrates in order to optimize the efficient micropropagation protocol of GF677 rootstock has been investigated. Research method: In vitro shoots were multiplicated on MS, WPM and DKW media supplemented with 0, 0.5, 1, 2 mg L-1 BA. Proliferated shoots were rooted on MS, WPM and DKW media containing 0, 0.5, 1, 2 mg L-1 IBA. In another experiment, the effect of carbohydrate type was investigated. Findings: High shoot number and node number as well as shoot fresh weight were achieved with shoot tips when cultured on MS medium supplemented with 1 or 2 mg L-1 BA. The highest percentage of rooted shoots was obtained on MS or WPM media supplemented with 1 or 2 mg L-1 IBA. Maximum root number was regenerated on WPM medium containing 1 mg L-1 IBA. Sorbitol was found to be more effective carbon source on shoot multiplication than sucrose, while the highest average of root number and root length were observed in the medium containing sorbitol and sucrose medium, respectively. Survival rate during the acclimatization in the greenhouse was 67%. Limitations: Plant acclimatization needs to be studied for commercial production. Originality/Value: This protocol has proven useful for micropropagation of GF677 rootstock.

Carbohydrate, Medium, micropropagation, peach × almond, Plant growth regulators