Optimization of in vitro Propagation of Qare-Qat (Vaccinium arctostaphylus)

In order to optimize the micropropagation of Qare-Qat (Vaccinium arctostaphylus J.J.Sm), samples were collected from two regions of Iran (Asalem and Kelardasht). Anderson (AN) media containing different concentrations of zeatin (0, 0.5, 1, 2 and 4 mg L-1) and different levels of pH (4.5, 5 and 5.5) were compared. The in vitro shoots were transferred on AN media supplemented with zeatin (1 and 2 mg L-1) alone or in combination with Indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) (0.2 and 0.4 mg L-1). To optimize the rooting stage, elongated shoots (1.5- 2cm) were cultured on half strength semi- solid media containing activated charcoal (0 and 7g L-1), or half strength liquid AN medium supplemented with different concentrations of IBA (0, 0.5, 2 and 3 mg L-1) and NAA (0 and 0.5 mg L-1). The results indicated that at the establishment stage, AN media supplemented with 4 mg L-1 zeatin (pH= 5.5) and 1 mg L-1 zeatin (pH= 5) were the best treatment for Asalem and Kelardasht explants, respectively. For the Asalem explants, the highest number of proliferated shoots (4) was observed on AN media consisting of 2 mg L-1 zeatin and 0.4 mg L-1 IBA. Whereas for the Kelardash explants  the highest number of proliferated shoots (3) was observed on AN media consisting of 2 mg L-1 zeatin and 0.2 mg L-1 IBA. The highest percent of root formation (86 and 66%) were observed in half strength AN medium containing 7 g L-1 activated charcoal and 3 mg L-1 IBA and 0.5 mg L-1 NAA in Asalem and Kelardasht explants, respectively. The plantlets were successfully transferred to soil and the survival rate was 85%.