Cryopreservation of carnation shoot-tips (Dianthus caryophyllus L) by encapsulation-dehydration

A procedure for the cryopreservation of carnation shoot tips was proposed. Axillary and apical shoot tips, excised from in vitro cultures, were first encapsulated in alginate beads. After ovemight preculture in sucrose enriched culture media, dehydration in sterile air flow at room temperature, the beads containing shoot tips were transferred in cryotubes and cooled in liquid nitrogen. High survival was obtained after 4 hours of dehydration (about 20% of water). Shoot recovery after cooling in liquid nitrogen did not depend on cooling procedures. It was not significantely modified by the duration of storage at - 196 degrees C.