An improved procedure for the propagation in vitro of grapevine (Vitis vinifera cv. Pinot noir) using axillary-bud microcuttings

A method has been developed for rapid propagation in vitro of Vitis vinifera cv. 'Pinot noir' from axillary-bud microcuttings harvested from plantlets initially cultured in vitro. The requirement of plant growth regulators for the different stages of the micropropagation was examined. BA at 8.9 mu M added to MS basal medium was found to be optimal for culture establishment, while for subcultures, the concentration of BA was reduced to 4.4 mu M to prevent hyperhydricity. Among the two auxins (NAA and IBA) tested for rooting, IBA at 2.5 mu M was found to induce a good rooting-system in 100% of the shoots. The advantages of this method, using microcuttings from established plants in vitro, is discussed.