In Vitro Conservation of Pummelo (Citrus Maxima (Burm.) Merr.) Cv. Srinyonya Using Osmoticum and Retardant

Abstract

Pummelo is an under-utilized citrus fruit with a potential for commercialization. Only several cultivars are conserved ex-situ, such as in homestead or botanical gardens. Such collections are vulnerable to biotic and abiotic hazards. The goal of the experiment was to study the effect of osmoticum (i.e. sorbitol) and retardant (i.e. ancymidol) on growth of pummelo in-vitro. The experiments were conducted using randomized complete design and replicated three times. In vitro shoot with four leaves from pummelo, namely cultivar Srinyonya, were used as the plant materials. The treatments consisting of MS + sorbitol (0 g/l, 20 g/l, 40 g/l and 60 g/l) and MS + ancymidol (0 mg/l, 1 mg/l, 3 mg/l and 5 mg/l). The results indicated that based on plant height, number of new leaves, and visual plant architecture, all sorbitol treatments were slowing the growth of pummelo significantly. On the other hand, although retardant (ancymidol) was not significantly inhibit the growth, but it was better than osmoticum in improving the vigor of in vitro plant, increasing leaf green color, and increasing root initiation. Senescence of the leaves occurred in sorbitol 40 and 60 g/l beginning at 20 WAC. The best media to conserve pummelo cv. Srinyonyawas sorbitol 20 g/l.