Cytokinins and auxins differentially regulate shoot proliferation and root morphology during micropropagation of Handroanthus impetiginosus

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DOI: 10.1007/s42535-026-01920-3
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Keywords: In vitro propagation, Morphophysiological integrity, Rhizogenesis, Shoot proliferation, Woody species


Abstract

Seed recalcitrance limits the conservation and clonal propagation of genetically valuable individuals of Handroanthus impetiginosus. Plant tissue culture is a promising alternative; however, balancing shoot proliferation and morphophysiological quality remains challenging in woody species. This study evaluated the effects of cytokinins [meta-topolin (m-TP) and 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP)] and auxins [indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) and naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA)] on in vitro morphophysiological responses. Nodal segments were cultured in McCown’s Woody Plant Medium (WPM) with cytokinins (0, 2.5, and 5 µM) for 45 days, and shoots cultured with 5 µM m-TP were subsequently rooted on media containing auxins (0, 3, and 6 µM) for 40 days. BAP increased shoot proliferation but was associated with greater callus formation and reduced structural organization. In contrast, m-TP promoted more organized shoot development, increasing stem diameter and leaf number at concentrations of 2.5 and 5 µM, respectively. Although m-TP partially reduced photosynthetic pigment levels, the energy absorbed per active reaction center increased at the 5 µM m-TP concentration. During rhizogenesis, NAA increased root number and biomass but induced short, thick, and disorganized roots, whereas IBA promoted fewer, longer, and more morphologically organized roots. These results indicate that cytokinins and auxins differentially regulate shoot proliferation and root organization. The use of m-TP and IBA improves morphophysiological quality during micropropagation of this species.

In vitro propagation, Morphophysiological integrity, Rhizogenesis, Shoot proliferation, Woody species


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Author Information

Graduate Program in Agriculture Sciences (PPGCIAG), State University of Maranhão (UEMA), São Luís, Brazil