Optimization of in vitro protocols for VIR cultivars of watermelon Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum. & Nakai
https://doi.org/10.30901/2658-6266-2025-3-o5
Abstract
Background. Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum. & Nakai is an important cucurbit crop. The efficiency of in vitro methods is limited by the genotype-specific response of explants to culture media composition, which necessitates protocol optimization for commercially important cultivars. Materials and methods. Nine watermelon cultivars bred at VIR were studied. The research used modified MS culture media for introducing explants into in vitro culture, as well as various combinations of phytohormones (BAP, NUK, IUK, 2,4-D, and TDZ) for rooting, callus formation, and regeneration. Statistical analysis was performed using Fisher’s exact test (p<0.05). Results. Hormone-free culture media ensured the introduction of up to 88% of viable explants into in vitro culture. On the NAA-supplemented media, rooting reached 70-88%. Optimal callus induction (up to 100%) was observed on the medium with 0.5 mg/L BAP and 0.1 mg/L 2,4-D, while regeneration was most effective on the medium with 1 mg/L BAP and 0.1 mg/L NAA. Conclusion. The stages of in vitro explant cultivation for various watermelon cultivars have been optimized, ensuring highly efficient introduction into culture, callus formation, and regeneration, thus creating a basis for subsequent biotechnological research.
Supporting agencies: The work was carried out within the framework of the Research Project No. 15H 0481-2022-0007 “Identifying new genetic markers of significant traits for breeding and new allelic versions of agronomically important genes in the genetic diversity of cultivated plants and their wild relatives using genomic and postgenomic technologies”.
About the Authors
A. V. Inozemtseva
N.I. Vavilov All-Russian Institute of Plant Genetic Resources
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Anastasiia V. Inozemtseva, Postgraduate Student, Junior Researcher, VIR
42, 44, Bolshaya Morskaya Street, St. Petersburg, 190000 Russia
A. Ya. Evlash
Sirius University of Science and Technology
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Anastasia Ya. Evlash, Junior Researcher, Sirius University of Science and Technology, Research Center of Genetics and Life Sciences
1, Olimpiysky Avenue, Sirius Federal Territory, Krasnodar Region, 354340 Russia
A. G. Elatskova
N.I. Vavilov All-Russian Institute of Plant Genetic Resources, Kuban Experiment Station, a branch of VIR
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Anna G. Elatskova, Cand. Sci. (Agriculture), Senior Researcher, VIR, Kuban Experiment Station, a branch of VIR
2, Tsentralnaya Street, Botanika Settlement, Krasnodar Region, 352183 Russia
E. K. Khlestkina
N.I. Vavilov All-Russian Institute of Plant Genetic Resources; Sirius University of Science and Technology
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Elena K. Khlestkina, Dr. Sci. (Biology), Corr. Mem. of the RAS, Director, VIR; Sirius University of Science and Technology, Research Center of Genetics and Life Sciences
42, 44, Bolshaya Morskaya Street, St. Petersburg, 190000 Russia; 1, Olimpiysky Avenue, Sirius Federal Territory, Krasnodar Territory, 354340 Russia
N. A. Shvachko
N.I. Vavilov All-Russian Institute of Plant Genetic Resources
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Nataliya A. Shvachko, Cand. Sci. (Biology), Leading Researcher, Acting Deputy Director for Scientific and Organizational Work, Acting Head, Laboratory of Postgenomic Research, VIR
42, 44, Bolshaya Morskaya Street, St. Petersburg, 190000 Russia
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Supplementary files
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1. Supplement. Description of the cultivar ‘‘Charl'ston grey’, obtained from the cultivar ‘Charleston Gray’ (USA, к-4128, see Table 1) as a result of selection for disease resistance and included in the State Register of varieties and hybrids of agricultural plants approved for use (RF, Code in the State Register, 8954475) | |
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Inozemtseva A.V., Evlash A.Ya., Elatskova A.G., Khlestkina E.K., Shvachko N.A. Optimization of in vitro protocols for VIR cultivars of watermelon Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum. & Nakai. Plant Biotechnology and Breeding. 2025;8(3):7-18. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.30901/2658-6266-2025-3-o5
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