Recent Advances in Adventitious Root Formation in Chestnut.

Area of Science:

• Horticulture
• Plant Biotechnology
• Forestry

Background:

• The genus Castanea (chestnut) is economically important for nut and timber, but regeneration is challenging.
• Limited rooting ability in aged chestnut genotypes hinders propagation of elite trees.
• Adventitious root (AR) formation is crucial for vegetative propagation of chestnut species.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review research on adventitious root formation in Castanea species over the last three decades.
• To analyze factors influencing AR formation protocols in chestnut cuttings and microshoots.
• To explore biotechnological approaches for enhancing chestnut propagation.

Main Methods:

• Review of scientific literature focusing on adventitious root formation in Castanea.
• Analysis of studies on cuttings and in vitro microshoots of C. sativa, C. dentata, and C. sativa × C. crenata.
• Examination of factors like genotype, auxin, light, and media on rooting success.

Main Results:

• Genotype, auxin treatment, light, and rooting media significantly impact AR formation in Castanea.
• Acclimation phase and biochemical/molecular aspects are critical for successful propagation.
• Existing protocols show limitations, especially for older genotypes.

Conclusions:

• Improving adventitious root formation is key to overcoming propagation barriers in Castanea.
• Understanding the influence of various factors and exploring biotechnological solutions can enhance chestnut tree propagation.
• Further research is needed to develop robust protocols for elite chestnut genotype multiplication.