Developing micropropagation protocol for black mulberry (Morus nigra L.)

This study aims to develop a suitable micropropagation protocol for black mulberry, which cannot be easily clonally propagated like other mulberry species. Clonal propagation of this species is gaining importance due to its health benefits and utilization in pharmacology. The effects of culture media and cytokinin types on micropropagation of Morus nigra L. were investigated. Single-axillary bud explants grown on MS, DKW, and NRM containing 0.25 mg/l benzyl adenine (BA) plus 0.01 mg/l indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) were compared to cultures grown on NRM with thidiazuron, metaTopolin (mT) or BA at 1.25, 2.5, 5.0 or 7.5 mg/l plus 0.01 mg/l IBA. The culture medium had a significant effect on shoot length. Shoot length was greater on NRM (3.3 shoots per explant) compared to the other medium types. Shoot multiplication was similar in all tested media types. Thidiazuron negatively affected shoot formation and triggered rosette shoots and/or large callus formation. Benzyl adenine and mT promoted both shoot proliferation and elongation. Around 84% of the micro shoots rooted and rooted shoots were successfully acclimatized to ex vitro conditions.