IN-VITRO SHOOT PROLIFERATION OF MYRTUS-COMMUNIS L FROM FIELD-GROWN PLANTS

In vitro vegetative propagation of native Mediterranean myrtle (Myrtus communis L.) has been obtained from mature field-grown plants. Single node explants were cultivated on a standard basal medium supplemented with 3% sucrose, 10 Mg l-1 L-ascorbic acid and 0.7% Difco bacto agar. For the proliferation stage various 6-benzylaminopurine treatments (0-2.0 mg l-1) and explant orientations were tested. A high proliferation rate was obtained from explants placed horizontally on a medium containing 2.0 mg l-1 and 0.05 mg l-1 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) and subcultured at 6-week intervals. Shoot proliferation medium composition and NAA concentration strongly influenced root induction on propagules.