Recent Advances in Adventitious Root Formation in Chestnut

Abstract

The genus Castanea includes several tree species that are relevant because of their geographical extension and their multipurpose character, that includes nut and timber production. However, commercial exploitation of the trees is hindered by several factors, particularly by their limited regeneration ability. Regardless of recent advances, there exists a serious limitation for the propagation of elite genotypes of chestnut due to decline of rooting ability as the tree ages. In the present review, we summarize the research developed in this genus during the last three decades concerning the formation of adventitious roots (ARs). Focusing on cuttings and in vitro microshoots, we gather the information available on several species, particularly C. sativa, C. dentata and the hybrid C.sativa × C. crenata, and analyze the influence of several factors on the achievements of the applied protocols, including genotype, auxin treatment, light regime and rooting media. We also pay attention to the acclimation phase, as well as compile the information available about biochemical and molecular related aspects. Furthermore, we considerate promising biotechnological approaches that might enable the improvement of the current protocols.

Iron Chelate Improves Rooting in Indole-3-Butyric Acid-Treated Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) Stem Cuttings

“…Results confirm that the application of IBA improves rooting in R. officinalis cuttings, in line with previous results obtained in this plant species [30][31][32][33], as well as in many other woody plants [7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18]. Data shown here indicate that when Fe supplementation is not used, an IBA concentration of 1000 mg L −1 appears to be adequate for R. officinalis, since higher IBA concentrations (2000-3000 mg L −1 ) do not provide any supplementary advantage.…”

“…[14,15], Sterculia foetida [16], Castanea spp. [17] and Populus [18]. For instance, in Cinnamomum bodinieri, exogenous IBA was shown to modify the auxin signaling pathway and carbohydrate metabolism, improve the formation of lateral root initiation site and root cell elongation, and enhance d-glucose synthesis as well as sucrose and starch utilization [19].…”

Effect of Sucrose on Growth and Stress Status of Castanea sativa x C. crenata Shoots Cultured in Liquid Medium

“…European chestnut ( Castanea sativa Mill., also known as sweet chestnut) is a long-lived multipurpose tree cultured worldwide for its nuts and timber [ 1 ]. Its by-products contain potentially valuable bioactive compounds with antioxidant, anticarcinogenic and cardioprotective properties [ 2 ].…”

Plant Growth Regulators in Tree Rooting

“…Various reports suggest that auxin-mediated events, which are key to establishing basic body organization and postembryonic organogenic processes, are of similar importance in both angiosperms and conifers (reviewed in [ 4 ]). In vegetative propagation of woody cuttings, an external source of auxin is usually needed to induce rooting, and the quality of the rooted cuttings is strongly affected by the concentration of exogenous auxin treatment [ 5 , 6 ]. However, the role played by other phytohormones is gaining attention, with each one of them showing significant influence in specific processes of root growth.…”