Stimulation of node and lateral shoot formation in micropropagation of olive ( Olea europaea L.) by using dikegulac

Abstract

Dikegulac, a growth regulator, was shown to stimulate in vitro shoot multiplication of olive cultivars Canino, Frantoio, Moraiolo, but not cultivars Rosciola and Piantone di Moiano. The Rugini Olive Medium including zeatin (4.5 lM) was used supplemented with a range of dikegulac concentrations (0–133.4 lM). An optimal result in number of shoots and nodes was obtained on cultivars Canino, Frantoio and Moraiolo at 66.7 lM dikegulac. Higher concentrations did not stimulate additional shoot and node formation and resulted in a drastic reduction in height of shoots. Elongated shoots were rooted and acclimatised and showed normal development compared to control plants.