Author/Authors :
Grauda، Dace نويسنده Institute of Biology, University of Latvia, Miera iela 3, Salaspils LV-2169, LATVIA; , , Lapi?a، Lita نويسنده Daugavpils University, Vienîbas iela 13, Daugavpils LV-5401, LATVIA , , Jansone، Biruta نويسنده Research Institute of Agriculture, Latvia University of Agriculture, Skrîveri LV-5125, LATVIA , , Jansons، Aldis نويسنده Research Institute of Agriculture, Latvia University of Agriculture, Skrîveri LV-5125, LATVIA , , Rashal، Isaak نويسنده Institute of Biology, University of Latvia, Miera iela 3, Salaspils LV-2169, LATVIA ,
Abstract :
Accessions with no germinating seeds are a common problem in plant gene banks and research
institutions. Our goal was to elaborate and apply an in vitro method of germination and multiplication
of old aged seeds of red and alsike clover and alfalfa. Eighteen clover and five alfalfa accessions
were used for germination in vitro. Most of the accessions had produced seeds more than
20 years ago and the seeds did not germinate in soil. Seed pre-treatment with different concentrations
of potassium permanganate, as well as addition of phytohormones, AgNO3 and activated
carbon to germinating media were tested. Plantlets for all germinated accessions were obtained,
even in the case when seeds were 44-year-old (alfalfa). Germination rate in vitro not always correlated
with seed age and ranged from 2 to 72%. Pre-treatment with potassium permanganate
was effective both for seeds sterilisation and germination stimulation. Most germinated seeds
formed phenotypically normal seedlings with all organs. In vitro multiplication of obtained clover
plants was performed. Best results were achieved by micropropagation of stem segments approximately
2 mm in length. Number of finally obtained plants depended not only on seed germination
ability, but also on micropropagation ability in relation to genotype, and on acclimatization
success in soil after in vitro cultivation.
