MICROPROPAGATION OF CHESTNUT (CASTANEA SATIVA MILL.)

Nodal explants from both a 2-year-old seedling and an adult selection (W1005) of C. sativa have given 100% axillary bud break within one month on ½ MS + BA (0.1 mg/l). On MS - ½ NO₃ + BA (0.1 mg/l) shoots have further multiplied at a rate of 2–3 fold/3 weeks. Although the seedling material could be rooted in vitro, best rooting occurred in vivo by dipping shoots in Seradix 3 or IBA (1 mg/ml) and planting in fine pumice, in mist (2 sec/20 min), with 25°C bottom heat. No rooting has yet occurred with W1005. Cultures of W1005 have occasionally produced flowers in vitro, and recently have shown symptoms of possible mineral imbalance.