Development and extension of walnut propagation in Iran

Abstract

Persian walnut (Juglans regia L.) is widely grown in Iran, as the center of origin of this tree. Propagation of this species is very difficult compared to other fruit and nut trees. Different types of grafting (epicotyl grafting, side stub grafting, omega grafting, whip and tongue grafting, saddle or V grafting, patch budding, chip budding, shield budding and topworking) and tissue culture (propagation by micro shoots or somatic embryogenesis) techniques have been studied intensively in the last 25 years in Iran. In these studies, effect of grafting type and time under different conditions (greenhouse, outdoor and shade house) on callus quality, graft-take, survival and growth of the scions have been studied. Several experiments have been conducted on optimization of micro-propagation steps such as establishment, proliferation, rooting and acclimatization of walnut. Successful techniques have been taught to the growers and agricultural experts. As a result of these efforts, several walnut grafting nurseries and tissue culture labs have been established which propagate walnut cultivars and rootstocks commercially for local and international markets.

Advances in biotechnology and propagation of nut trees in Iran

“…The different methods and plant materials resulted in different degrees of success under different climatic conditions. Recently, all these methods have been reviewed in detail by Vahdati and Aalifar [25].…”

“…One of the new and important ways of walnut propagation is micropropagation which is a new high-performance technique that has been used successfully to propagate nut trees around the world as well as Iran. Several studies have been conducted to improve the micropropagation of nut trees in Iran [25][26][27]. In addition, some tissue culture laboratory in Iran are currently propagating nut trees on a large scale by tissue culture technique.…”