MICROPROPAGATION FOR EVALUATION OF NEW CITRUS SOMATIC HYBRID ROOTSTOCKS

This research work presents the development of a protocol for the micropropagation of three allotetraploid somatic hybrid rootstocks, obtained at IVIA from two hybridizations: Citrus macrophylla + citrange Carrizo and C. macrophylla + C. taiwanica. We have determined the conditions for the in vitro introduction and the establishment of micropropagation lines in the laboratory, with a high efficient multiplications rate of 3 every two weeks. The environmental conditions for the successful acclimatization and growth in the greenhouse have also been established. Finally, we have accomplished the large-scale adaptation for efficient commercial propagation.