The Influence of Imidazole Fungicides on Multiplication In Vitro of Low Vigorous Pear and Cherry Rootstocks

Abstract

Low vigorous pear and cherry rootstocks, 'Pyrodwarf' and 'Gisela 6', resp., were used as model plants in these investigations. The objective of these investigations was to study the influence of imidazole fungicides on multiplication of these two genotypes. The commercial chemical SPORTAK 45-E-450, which contains the active substance prochloraz (PRO), was used as the source of the imidazole fungicide. The experiment was performed during the multiplication phase. It involved the study of 19 types of media containing MS macro and micro salts, different PRO concentrations, BAP, IBA and GA(3). PRO was used at 3 concentrations, either individually or combined with BAP, IBA and GA(3). Multiplication parameters and FW/DW of shoots were checked. Individual or GA(3) or IBA combined application of fungicides had no effect on the multiplication of both rootstocks, but had influence on shoot rooting. The highest multiplication index and shoot quality were obtained on media containing PRO combined with BAP and GA(3). The obtained results suggest that PRO not only induces shoot induction but also intensifies the effect of exogenous added BAP on in vitro multiplication of the 'Pyrodwarf' and 'Gisela 6' and could be recommended for micropropagation of these rootstocks.