High-frequency regeneration by stem disc culture in selected clones of Populus euramericana

An efficient regeneration protocol for stem disc culture of Populus euramericana, which is important species for bioenergy resource in agroforestry, was established. The number of explants that were obtained and the number of explants that regenerated varied with the genotypes. However, in all the genotypes, stem disc culture produced more regenerated shoots than did in axillary bud culture. A comparison of the effects of cytokinin type and concentration on shoot regeneration in different explants (i.e., petiole, leaf, and root segments of P. euramericana) revealed that a concentration of 0.002 mg l-1 thidiazuron (TDZ) used on petiole segments resulted in the greatest shoot regeneration (95.83%). The hormonal requirements for the greatest shoot regeneration in the three explant types varied. Different concentrations of AgNO3 and CoCl2 were added separately to the medium to stop the yellowing and subsequent necrosis of the regenerated shoots. Lower concentrations (3 and 5 mg l-1) of these compounds improved shoot regeneration and elongation, compared with the control. The in vitro-regenerated shoots were transferred to rooting medium and subsequently acclimatized. The highly efficient regeneration system of P. euramericana reported here can be used for mass propagation of this recalcitrant for regeneration, economically important tree species.