Optimizing In-Vitro Culture Establishment of Apricot Germplasm
Apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) is an important fruit crop valued for its nutritional and economic significance. However, like many woody fruit species, apricot presents major challenges during in-vitro culture establishment, particularly due to persistent microbial contamination. This study was conducted to develop an optimized and reliable surface sterilization protocol for selected apricot germplasm to support efficient micropropagation and conservation efforts.
The research evaluated seven apricot germplasm—Trivet, Share, Aluchi Wala, Castle Bright, Habi Sharot, Habi Gulmet, and Pana Sherqila. Shoot tips were used as explants and subjected to six different sterilization treatments involving varying concentrations of sodium hypochlorite, 70% ethanol, and double distilled water. Following sterilization, explants were cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with BAP (1 mg/L) to initiate in-vitro growth.
The results clearly highlighted the importance of using combined sterilization agents. The most effective treatment was 28% sodium hypochlorite followed by 70% ethanol (15 + 1 minute), which resulted in 100% survival in the Trivet genotype and 80% survival in Habi Sharot, Habi Gulmet, and Pana Sherqila. In contrast, other sterilization treatments showed significantly higher rates of contamination and explant mortality over time.
Despite the optimized protocol, some level of natural loss was observed, including fungal (20%), bacterial (40%), and viral (40%) contamination, emphasizing the sensitivity of apricot explants and the need for precise protocol control. Treatments using weaker disinfectants or double distilled water alone proved ineffective, leading to rapid decline of explants.
This study provides valuable practical insights for apricot micropropagation, germplasm conservation, and commercial tissue culture operations. By refining sterilization protocols, survival rates can be significantly improved, enabling the successful propagation of elite apricot varieties under controlled laboratory conditions.
Overall, the findings reinforce the critical role of protocol optimization in plant tissue culture, particularly for woody fruit species. Such advancements contribute directly to sustainable horticulture, genetic resource conservation, and the long-term improvement of fruit crops.
? Read the Full Research Article
The complete study, including experimental design and detailed results, is available on ResearchGate:
Optimization Protocol for In-Vitro Establishment of Selected Apricot Germplasm
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/354271893_OPTIMIZATION_PROTOCOL_FOR_IN_VITRO_ESTABLISHMENT_OF_SELECTED_APRICOT_GERMPLASM
✍️ Author Contribution
Dr. Shabana Irum contributed to research design, experimental work, data analysis, and manuscript preparation, with expertise in plant tissue culture and fruit crop biotechnology.