AN IMPROVED PROCEDURE FOR THE PROPAGATION IN-VITRO OF GRAPEVINE (VITIS-VINIFERA CV PINOT-NOIR) USING AXILLARY-BUD MICROCUTTINGS

A method has been developed for rapid propagation in vitro of Vitis vi nifera cv. 'Pinot noir' from axillary-bud microcuttings harvested from plantlets initially cultured in vitro. The requirement of plant growt h regulators for the different stages of the micropropagation was exam ined. BA at 8.9 mu M added to MS basal medium was found to be optimal for culture establishment, while for subcultures, the concentration of BA was reduced to 4.4 mu M to prevent hyperhydricity. Among the two a uxins (NAA and IBA) tested for rooting, IBA at 2.5 mu M was found to i nduce a good rooting-system in 100% of the shoots. The advantages of t his method, using microcuttings from established plants in vitro, is d iscussed.