Improvements for the Micropropagation of Hybrid Hazelnut (C. americana x C. avellana)

The micropropagation of hybrid hazelnut (Corylus americana x Corylus avellana) has been limited in its agricultural application due to the lack of efficient procedures for tissue culture and root organogenesis. We established an efficient sterilization protocol for hazelnut micropropagation suitable for in vitro root induction that permitted us to approach the poor root organogenesis experienced with the micropropagation of hazelnut hybrids in vitro. Typically, with standard protocols, root organogenesis had yields of well under 20%. We found that cuttings grown in vitro to the four-leaf stage can be successfully rooted using a combination of indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) pretreatment, followed by a one-week growth period in absolute darkness. The dark period was then followed by a transition to continuous light. In many cases, prolific visible roots formed between 12 and 14 days.