Influence of LED-Illumination to the regeneration potential of somatic embryos of vitis vinifera 'Chardonnay' - preliminary studies

Plant growth and developmental processes are mainly controlled by plant growth regulators in dependence on light quality and quantity. Rare information of the influence of light resources on grapevine somatic embryogenesis is available. LEDs have high advantages compared with conventional used light sources in in vitro culture like working with defined wavelengths and photon flux, excellent energy-efficiency and longer life. Thus this study was focused on the evaluation of effects of white (450, 545, 580 nm), blue (450 nm) or red (640 nm) light emitting diodes (LED) on the germination of somatic embryos of grapevine (Vitis vinifera) compared with commonly used fluorescent tubes in culture rooms. Somatic embryos in heart and early torpedo stages were cultured on different basal media, partly supplemented with combinations of PGR or charcoal. The cultures were illuminated with 34 µmol m-2 s-1 photosynthetic active radiation in different combinations of red-white and red-blue wavelengths. Best results of conversion into normal plantlets could be obtained on full strength Murashige and Skoog medium containing plant growth regulator (BAP 0.13 µM and NES 0.054 µM) without activated charcoal by cultivation under increased blue light ratio. The addition of PGR resulted mainly in an enhanced leaf area. A higher portion of blue light resulted in a significantly increased leaf area compared with higher red light portion. Greatest leaf area was found in presence of plant growth regulator without activated charcoal.