Increasing Efficiencies in Propagation - Workpackage 2 Details

Objectives

1. To develop systems for large scale vegetative propagation of selected genotypes of Fraxinus by cuttings, micropropagation, and their low temperature storage in vitro.
2. To determine the best physiological treatments to mother donor plants which will give : a) controllable flowering, b) viable shoot cultures c) rooting in cuttings (cascade grafting, timing, temperature, pruning, water regimes).
3. Determine which shifts in fundamental metabolism are indicative of healthy cultures, good rooting, and apparent rejuvenation.
4. To find indicators of juvenile and mature states by quantifying the expression of "late embryogenic abundant proteins "(LEAPs), using antibodies in : shoot cultures with different states of rejuvenation and ages; adventitious shoots, & somatic and zygotic embryos.
5. Transfer the micropropagation technology to SMEs; evaluate: the effects of the propagation regimes on the quality and growth potential of propagated material; the optimal mycorrhizal associations and the best nursery practices which ensures normal shoot, root and plant development in all material produced for clonal field tests.
6. Determine the best methods for rooting in cuttings derived from micropropagated plants.

Deliverables

(Month 0 marking the start of the project with all delivery dates being relative to this start date.)