Rooting and establishment of Calabrian pine plantlets propagated in vitro: influence of growth substances, rooting medium and origin of explant

SUMMARY The effect of auxins and a cytokinin on induction of roots in cultured axillary shoots of Pinus brutia Ten, has been tested. Auxin was crucial for root initiation and the rooting response varied according to the type and concentration of auxin applied. Both auxin and cytokinin and the interactions between them affected the quantity and quality of the induced roots. Aerated non-sterile tap water was an effective rooting medium, comparable to agar. After planting out into soil, some of the influences of auxin and cytokinin could still be seen after six months. However, roots developed normally in the soil, displaying dichotomous lateral branches. The results draw attention to the need for care in the choice and application of the medium for the initial induction of roots. Results of greenhouse trials indicated that the most vigorous plants were obtained via the axillary shoots.