In Vitro Regeneration of Southern Italian Grapevine Cultivars from Embryogenic Calluses and Protoplasts
Valeria Ereddia1, Chiara Catalano1, Fabrizio Salonia1
1Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 100, 95123 Catania, Italy.
Plants (Basel, Switzerland)
|November 13, 2025
Summary
Developing efficient in vitro regeneration for grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) is key for applying New Genomics Techniques (NGTs). This study optimized protocols for Sicilian cultivars, enabling plantlet regeneration and protoplast isolation for future stress-resistance breeding.
Area of Science:
- Plant Biotechnology
- Agricultural Science
- Genetics
Background:
- Efficient in vitro regeneration is essential for applying New Genomics Techniques (NGTs) in grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) for stress resistance.
- In vitro regeneration and callus establishment are genotype-dependent, with limited research on autochthonous cultivars.
- Sustainable grapevine management requires improved resistance to biotic/abiotic stresses, especially considering climate change.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and optimize in vitro regeneration protocols for key Sicilian grapevine cultivars.
- To establish embryogenic calluses and regenerate plantlets from autochthonous grapevine varieties.
- To lay the groundwork for applying NGTs in Sicilian grapevines for enhanced stress resistance.
Main Methods:
- Explants (stamens, pistils) from six Sicilian cultivars ('Frappato', 'Nerello mascalese', 'Nero d'Avola', 'Grillo', 'Carricante', 'Catarratto') were cultured.
- Two induction media (PIV, MSII) and three developmental stages (premeiotic, tetrad, mature pollen) were tested.
- Over 5,000 explants per cultivar were cultured to induce embryogenic calluses and regenerate plantlets.
Main Results:
- Embryogenic calluses were successfully formed in four cultivars: 'Carricante', 'Frappato', 'Nero d'Avola', and 'Nerello Mascalese'.
- Plantlets were regenerated from calluses of 'Carricante', 'Frappato', and 'Nero d'Avola'.
- Protoplasts were successfully isolated from 'Frappato' and 'Nero d'Avola' calluses.
Conclusions:
- The study provides foundational protocols for in vitro regeneration of important Sicilian grapevine cultivars.
- Successful plantlet regeneration and protoplast isolation pave the way for NGT applications in these autochthonous varieties.
- These advancements are critical for improving grapevine resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses through sustainable breeding strategies.
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