Optimization of Direct Regeneration Method in Ziziphus jujuba Mill

The mass propagation and breeding new varieties of Ziziphus jujuba Mill as a valuable fruit tree and herb, which is well adapted to dry and semi-arid climate, is very important. The aim of the present research was to optimize direct regeneration method in Ziziphus jujuba Mill. In this experimental study, the explants consisted of leaf cut into 3 parts, leaf cut from 4 sides, and full leaf of in vitro and compared in Murashige and Skoog and woody plant media with different concentrations of Thidiazuron (TDZ; 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20μM) and Naphthalene acetic acid (NAA, 0 and 1μM). The effect of 2 and 4 weeks of darkness on regeneration rate was investigated. The experiments were conducted in factorial based on a completely randomized design. The mean of statistical data was compared using Duncan’s multiple range test. SAS 9.3.1 software was used and the difference was considered significant at 1% probability level. Findings: The 2 weeks of darkness treatment with the mean of 1.38 was better than the 4 weeks of darkness treatment. The Maximum number of shoots (2.27) was obtained in leaf cut into 3 parts. The maximum percent of regeneration (75.0%) and highest number of regenerated shoots (4.83) were obtained in the MS medium containing 10μΜ TDZ and 1μΜ NAA. Regeneration rates in Ziziphus jujuba Mill is affected by the type of explant, culture media and plant growth regulators. Maximum rate of regeneration is observed in leaf cut into 3 parts and cultured on MS medium containing 1μM NAA and 10μΜ TDZ. Plantlets are rooted and successfully acclimatized at “in vivo” conditions.