Micropropagation of cloudberry (Rubus chamaemorus L.) by initiation of axillary shoots

Abstract

A method for micropropagation of the endangered Rubus chamaemorus L. (Rosaceae) from shoot tips was developed. Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with BA and IBA in different concentrations was used for axillary shoot development. The most effective was MS medium containing 0.88 µM BA and 0.49 µM IBA with value of pH = 4.0. Cultures of microshoots (up to 12 shoots from a single explant) developed into regular shoots on the same medium or after transferring them onto MS media with 0.44 µM BA, 0.49 µM IBA and 434 µM SA. The rooting of initiated axillary shoots proved extremely difficult. A two-step procedure for root induction was adopted. Auxin- treated shoots were put to medium devoid of plant growth regulators. Rooted shoots were then transferred to pots and grown in the greenhouse until planted in the ground of the Botanical Garden.

Keywords

• Rubus chamaemorus L.
• endangered species
• micropropagation
• shoot tips
• axillary shoots