Germination and Micropropagation of Crataegus monogyna Jacq. Seeds by Tissue Culture Method

Abstract

Abstract The propagation of Crataegus monogyna Jacq. using seeds is important for the creation of new cultivars, but it can be fraught with difficulty. Therefore, the effects of optimal cytokinin doses and culture media on the germination inhibition and micropropagation of seeds in C. Monogyna were investigated. The germination, shoot formation, and propagation in mature seed embryos were compared in Murashige ve Skoog (MS) and Linsmaier ve Skoog (L&S) nutrient media containing 3 mg/L BA(6-benzyladenine) and 0.5–1–2 mg/L kinetin. It was observed that the culture media influenced germination. The germination rate was higher in the MS medium (100%). Shoot proliferation was higher in MS (4.4 shoots per explant). The highest mean results were obtained in both media containing 3 mg/L BA + 1 mg/L kinetin. Root formation and shoot proliferation occurred in 56% of the explants cultured on the germination medium, and 68% rooting was achieved in the medium supplemented with 1 mg/L indoleacetic acid using the two-stage rooting procedure. Regenerated shoots were successfully rooted and transferred to ex vitro conditions. The results provide a solid basis for testing clonal propagation and efficient generative propagation of selected hawthorn genotypes with fruits of superior quality. Study Implications: In this study, the germination barrier of seeds of Crateagus monogyna was removed by the tissue culture method. The seeds germinated within 1 week. In addition, direct material was obtained for clonal production without the need for rejuvenation studies in micropropagation, and a large number of seedlings were obtained. As a result, it has been determined that this species and similar forest trees can be used in mass production owing to their brief microproduction for the protection of species in forestry and reforestation applications.