Apple shoots (Malus domestica, Borkh), cv. Fred Hough derived from in vitro multiplication process were inoculated in MS and MS/2 basal media added by growth substances indol acetic acid (IAA); indol butiric acid (IBA) and naphtalene acetic acid (NAA) at 0, 1, 3 and 5 µM. The media also included: MS vitamins, myo-inositol (100.0 mg/L); sucrose (30.0 g/L); agar (6.0 g/L). The pH was adjusted to 5.8 before autoclaving. The treatments were incubated in a growth room at 25±2ºC, 16 hours photoperiod under light intensity of 2,000 lux during 30 days. The treatments were replicated five times. Each replicate was composed by a 250 mL flask containing 40 mL medium with five explants. The medium MS/2 in all the tested concentrations was better than MS. The NAA and IBA, both at 3.0 µM on MS/2 showed similar effects as percentage of rooting and number of roots are concerned. However, NAA treated explants presented a higher callus incidence at the base of shoots along with thicker roots. IAA had a better response when used in higher concentrations but it did not achieve the performance of IBA ou NAA.
micropropagation; growth substances; indol acetic acid; indol butiric acid; naphtalene acetic acid; Malus domestica
