Cytokinins combined with activated charcoal do not impair in vitro rooting in Quercus robur L.: insights from morphophysiological and hormonal analyses
Abstract Background In vitro rooting remains a challenge for many woody species, including Quercus robur. While auxins combined with activated charcoal (AC) have traditionally been used, Q. robur explants exhibit a strong dependence on cytokinins (CKs). This study introduces a novel approach combini...
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| Main Authors: | , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
BMC
2025-08-01
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| Series: | BMC Plant Biology |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12870-025-07064-x |
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| Summary: | Abstract Background In vitro rooting remains a challenge for many woody species, including Quercus robur. While auxins combined with activated charcoal (AC) have traditionally been used, Q. robur explants exhibit a strong dependence on cytokinins (CKs). This study introduces a novel approach combining AC with either 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) or meta-topolin (mT) during the rooting phase to evaluate morphophysiological and hormonal responses. Methods Eight treatments were tested: 0 µM CK + 2 g L−1 AC; 2, 4, and 8 µM BAP + 2 g L−1 AC; 2, 4, and 8 µM mT + 2 g L−1 AC; and to isolate the effect of AC, a treatment without exogenous CK and AC (0 µM CK + 0 g L−1 AC) was also included. Morphophysiological and hormonal analyses were performed after 40 days of cultivation. Results Plantlets grown without AC exhibited a high shoot-to-root biomass ratio, indicating reduced growth balance. Treatments with 0–8 µM BAP combined with 2 g L−1 AC reduced the ratio of vascular cylinder area to total root cross-section by 16.5% compared to the other treatments. Notably, mT-treated plantlets developed root systems with improved anatomical features conducive to transport efficiency. CKs at 8 µM significantly enhanced stem thickening via stimulated cambial activity. Additionally, CK + AC treatments increased chlorophyll (Chl a + b) and carotenoid (Car) contents, while the absence of both CK and AC resulted in higher Car/Chl a + b ratios and an increased photosystem II closure rate (M0), indicating stress. Hormonally, CK-free treatments led to elevated indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and reduced jasmonic acid (JA) levels, suggesting an imbalance. Conclusion Overall, the combination of AC and 4–8 µM mT during rooting enhanced secondary growth and improved the hormonal balance and morphophysiological traits of Q. robur plantlets. |
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| ISSN: | 1471-2229 |