MICROPROPAGATION OF OLIVE (OLEA EUROPAEA)

Apical and lateral buds (bionodal microcuttings) were selected from some individuals among natural habitats of olive in Tarom, Mangil, Rudbar, Gorgan and also in Research Institute of Forests and Rangelands in different seasons. These explants were stabilished on OM and MS media after sterilization by sodium hypocloride or mercuric cloride lonely and in different combination rates.
Stabilished explants were transfered on the same-media containing 1-3 mg/I BAP for proliferation. Obtaining desired number of shoots, they were subcultured on hormon free media (OM & MS) before transferring on rooting media with a reduction in nitrate concentration and in combination with NAA and IBA (0.5-2 mg/l) separately and also using darkness treatment.
The plantlets were planted in pots containing perlit, vermiculit, sand and rice glume (1:1:1:1v/v). The results showed that mid autumn is the best time for taking explants. The most efficient sterilization procedure was:
1- Brushing by common detergent
2- Diping in ethyl alcohol (70%)
3- Washing by running water
4- Diping in 0.1% mercuric chloride for 2 minutes.
The suitable medium for establishment was OM with 0.5 mg/l BAP, and for proliferation stage MS with 1 mg/l BAP.
The highest percent of rooting was obtained on MS combination with 1 mg/l IBA and 1 week of darkness.
Application of antibiotics caused transitory control of bacterial contamination but decreased the vigour of shoots. To overcome bacterial contaminations, fast subcultures of apical buds showed the best results.