Induction of Polyploidy in Citrus Rootstocks through In Vitro Colchicine Treatment of Seed-Derived Explants

Polyploidy, frequently observed in citrus species, aids achieving better adaptation to environmental stresses. In this context, the current work aims develop stable tetraploids rootstock cultivars, viz., Rough lemon, Rangpur lime and Alemow, through vitro colchicine treatments. Seed-derived explants were obtained by culturing sterile seeds on MS basal media. Seedlings with a size of 5–8 mm (hypocotyl) exposed treatment. After treatment, surviving seedlings minigrafted onto six-month-old for growth. Colchicine concentrations 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3% control durations 16 or 24 h tested respect induction polyploidisation. Treatment 0.1% resulted high rates mutation polyploidisation showed highest tetraploid percentage (18.3%) all cultivars. High concentration long exposure time decreased survival seedlings. Flow cytometry cytological methods used confirmation autotetraploidy analysed samples. The identified basis morphological variables, such as leaf area stomata size, which significantly increased increasing ploidy level. proposed method was found be an effective way induce polyploidy lime, lemon Alemow rootstocks.