Response of callus cultures of Prunus persica, P. tomentosa, and P. besseyi to cyanide

Abstract

Callus cultures were obtained for cyanide toxicity studies from Prunus persica L. (peach) and two grafting understocks, P. tomentosa Thunb. (Nanking cherry) and P. besseyi Bailey (sand cherry), which are used to dwarf peach. P. tomentosa and P. besseyi callus cultures were faster growing and more friable than P. persica callus. The callus derived from P. persica was more tolerant of high cyanide concentrations, whereas callus cultures from the two understocks were more sensitive to cyanide. The results suggest a detoxication system may exist in peach.