Carbohydrate profiles in the graft union of young sweet cherry trees grown on dwarfing and vigorous rootstocks

In composite (scion–rootstock) dwarfing fruit trees, an overgrowth at the graft union is often observed, the severity of which is correlated with degree of dwarfing. The graft union of dwarfing sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) rootstocks may limit soluble sugar transport or starch mobilization, leading to localized accumulation. Soluble sugars and starch were measured in the tissues surrounding the graft union of young ‘Rainier’ (2002) and ‘Lapins’ (2003) sweet cherry trees on ‘Gisela 5’ (‘Gi 5’; dwarfing) and ‘Colt’ (vigorous) rootstocks. Separate rootstock shank, rootstock, graft union, and scion tissues were analyzed for both starch and soluble sugar content throughout the growing season in both years. Starch concentrations did not vary among locations within the graft union for ‘Rainier’ on either the dwarfing or vigorous rootstock, or for ‘Lapins’ on the dwarfing stock. However, for ‘Lapins’ on ‘Colt’, starch was highest in the rootstock shank and declined vertically (rootstock shank ? rootstock > union > scion). Soluble sugar concentrations were generally similar to or higher in scions on ‘Gi 5’ than on ‘Colt’, and were similar to or lower in the rootstock and rootstock shank on ‘Gi 5’ than on ‘Colt’. Results suggest that rootstock has a significant effect of localized accumulations of carbohydrates above and within the graft union of ‘Gi 5’ and below the graft union of ‘Colt’.     

Flower emasculation accelerates ovule degeneration and reduces fruit set in sweet cherry

Flower emasculation is commonly used to make flowers unattractive to pollinating insects and to carry out controlled pollinations. In sweet cherry, we have observed recurrent low fruit set after flower emasculation and compatible pollination without apparent causes. This led us to evaluate its effect on the progress of the reproductive phase and on fruit set in this species. Flower emasculation reduced by more than a half the fruit set obtained in crosses made during two consecutive years. This effect could be traced back to the first week after anthesis where weight increase of pistils from emasculated flowers was smaller and ovule degeneration was accelerated compared to pistils from non-emasculated flowers. Pollen tubes, which behaved similarly at the stigma-style level in emasculated and non-emasculated flowers, lost their directionality in the area close to the degenerated ovule in the ovary. While flower emasculation is valid to evaluate pollen tube performance in the style and to determine incompatibility relationships, the lower fruit set registered after emasculation alerts on its use in fruit set experiments and breeding programs.     

Fruit quality parameters of ‘Pioneer’ Japanese plums produced on eight different rootstocks

The influence of Marianna GF 8-1, GF 677, Julior-Ferdor, Nemared, Monegro (G × N 9), Felinem (G × N 22), Adesoto 101 and Cadaman rootstocks on fruit quality of ‘Pioneer’ Japanese plum was analysed. The study was performed during three consecutive years in the Guadalquivir Valley (Seville, Spain), on a silt loam and calcareous soil. Colour, fruit size, fruit and stone weights, hardness, soluble solid concentration and acidity were measured for fruit quality evaluation. In general, the effect of the different rootstocks on most of the analysed quality parameters was variable because a strong interaction rootstock × year was observed. However, several parameters as fruit shape, soluble solid concentration, acidity and maturity seem to be harder conditioned in some rootstocks, did not show significant differences year-by-year. Fruits produced on scions grafted on Marianna and Nemared showed the highest soluble solid concentration and Cadaman the lowest, the last also originated the hardest fruits and the lowest maturity.     

Assessment of genetic diversity of Latvian and Swedish sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) genetic resources collections by using SSR (microsatellite) markers

Three previously described highly polymorphic SSR (microsatellite) primer pairs were tested on 126 sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) accessions to adapt a fast, reliable method for preliminary screening of sweet cherry germplasm collections and to compare two sweet cherry germplasm collections: at the Latvia State Institute of Fruit-Growing, Dobele (LIFG-Dobele) and at the Division of Horticultural Genetics and Plant Breeding at Balsgård, Department of Crop Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU-Balsgård). The SSR loci were highly polymorphic with 4–10 different alleles and 5–18 genotypes. Heterozygosity values ranged from 0.431 to 0.809, gene diversity (PIC) values ranged from 0.400 to 0.753, and the discriminating power of each locus varied from 0.631 to 0.894. The combined discriminating power of all loci was highly effective (0.996). Sixteen identical accession groups with the same allele profile were discovered in both collections. This study demonstrated that SSR fingerprinting with the three primer pairs tested, can be used for preliminary characterization of sweet cherry germplasm collections.     

Varietal differences in phenolic content and astringency in skin and flesh of hardy kiwifruit resources in Japan

Varietal differences in the total phenolic content and astringency in the skin and flesh were determined among the cultivars and local collections of hardy kiwifruit with a ploidy variance found in Japan. The average values of the total phenolic content in the skin and flesh were 2.66 and 0.18 g 100 g⁻¹ FW, respectively. There were large varietal differences in the total phenolic content in the skin in the range of 1.3–5.0 g 100 g⁻¹ FW. Kochi (tetraploid), while Gassan and ‘Mitsuko’ (hexaploid) contained a larger amount of total phenolics. High astringency was found in Gassan, ‘Mitsuko’ and ‘Hoko’ (hexaploids) and Kochi. HPLC analysis showed that the major components of phenolics in the flesh were (+)-catechin, chlorogenic acid, rutin, (−)-epicatechin and quercetin.     

The effect of gibberellic acid (GA3) on some phenolic substances in globe artichoke (Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus (L.) Fiori)

Globe artichoke has important nutritional values related to its high content of phenolic compounds such as cynarin and chlorogenic acid. Cynarin (1,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid) is a derivative of caffeic acid and has effect on hepatobiliary diseases, hyperlipidaemia, dropsy, rheumatism and cholesterol metabolism. The effect of gibberellic acid (GA₃) on the yield of the phenolics, chlorogenic acid and cynarin, both in leaves and in the edible part of the head of globe artichoke, were studied. Plant samples were collected for chemical analyses at the laboratories of the Chair of Vegetable Science, Department for Plant Sciences, Technische Universität München in Freising-Weihenstephan, Germany. GA₃ at 60 ppm was applied either at 4, 6 or 8 weeks after transplanting date (ATD). When transplant were used, application of GA₃ at 4 weeks ATD significantly increased the content of chlorogenic acid in leaves while the level of cynarin was similar to the untreated control. In contrast when plants were direct seeded into the field, GA₃ treatments had no affect on phenolics in leaves compared to the untreated control. Whereas GA₃ reduced the time to flowering, it did not increase the content of chlorogenic acid or cynarin in leaves or in most of the flower receptacles, except when GA₃ was applied at 6 or 8 weeks. On the other hand, cynarin yield in the 3rd–5th harvested flower heads was higher than controls. The timing of GA₃ application is, thus, critical for decreasing time to flower as well as altering the content of cynarin and chlorogenic acid in globe artichoke.     

Low leaf to fruit ratio delays fruit maturity of ‘Lapins’ sweet cherry on Gisela 5

Canopy leaf to fruit ratio (L:F) of 6-year-old ‘Lapins’ sweet cherry trees on Gisela 5 rootstock was manipulated at the end of stage II (38 DAFB) of fruit development. While control trees showed a L:F ratio of 0.7:1 without alteration, on other trees young fruit were manually removed to yield L:F ratios of 2:1 and 3:1, respectively. All leaves and young fruit on trees were counted 30 DAFB. The effect of altering the source–sink ratio of whole trees on sweet cherry fruit quality parameters (fruit increment, fruit mass, color, total soluble solids content, contents of individual sugars and organic acids) was evaluated in the study. High leaf area to fruit (LA:F) ratios influenced significantly darkest fruit color, higher fruit mass, higher total soluble solids content and higher ratio between sugars and acids, which corresponded to better ripening stage. Contents of glucose, fructose and sorbitol, but not sucrose, sum of individual sugars, and the content of malic acid differed significantly among fruit of the different treatments. Fruit of the most advanced maturity stage (treatment 3:1) had the highest quality. Each day of improved L:F ratio counts towards better sweet cherry fruit quality. The results show that low L:F ratio influenced prolonged ripening process and delayed fruit maturity of ‘Lapins’ sweet cherry.     

Eggplant relatives as sources of variation for developing new rootstocks: Effects of grafting on eggplant yield and fruit apparent quality and composition

We propose the utilization of eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) interspecific hybrids derived from crosses with closely related species as an approach for developing new improved rootstocks for eggplant. Here we investigate rootstock effects on fruit yield, apparent quality and proximate and mineral composition of S. melongena ‘Black Beauty’ (BB) scions grafted on interspecific hybrid rootstocks developed from crosses of S. melongena with Solanum incanum L. (SI × SM) and Solanum aethiopicum L. (SM × SA). The results are compared with non-grafted (BB control) and self-grafted (BB/BB) controls and with S. melongena ‘Black Beauty’ scions grafted onto Solanum torvum Sw. (STO) and Solanum macrocarpon L. (SMA) rootstocks. All treatments were grown in a soil naturally infested with root-knot nematodes (mostly Meloidogyne incognita (Kofoid and White) Chitwood). SI × SM and SM × SA interspecific hybrids had high germination (≥90%) and total graft success (100%). Contrary to what occurred with all other treatments, no plants from scions grafted onto these hybrid rootstocks died during the experiment. In particular, the SI × SM hybrid rootstock conferred the highest vigour to the scion, which resulted in the highest values for fruit earliness and early and total yield. Little difference was observed among treatments for apparent fruit quality traits, except for a greater fruit calyx length and prickliness of fruit grafted onto SMA rootstocks. A similar result was obtained for fruit composition where phenolics content was higher in fruit from plants grafted onto SMA rootstocks. Grafting eggplant onto interspecific eggplant hybrids, especially on the SI × SM hybrid, has proved advantageous for eggplant production, as the high vigour and good compatibility of the rootstock with scion results in improved early and total yield without negative effects on apparent fruit quality or composition. Interspecific hybrids represent an alternative to the commonly used STO rootstock, which is a wild species with irregular germination.     

Combining endophytic fungi and bacteria for the biocontrol of Radopholus similis (Cobb) Thorne and for effects on plant growth

Eight endophytic fungal and bacterial isolates with antagonistic activity against Radopholus similis were evaluated in vivo for their individual and combined effects on biocontrol of R. similis and on the growth of “Grand Naine” cultivar banana plantlets in the greenhouse. Penetration efficiency (PE) of R. similis was between 3 and 21% in 29 biological agents (BAs) treatments, less than the 29% of the nematode-alone control (p ≤ 0.0001); 24 of the BAs treatments did not differ from the PE of 5% for a nematicide control. Twenty nine BAs treatments exhibited antagonistic activity against nematodes which reduced final population levels between 18 and 93%, relative to those on nematode-alone control plants (p ≤ 0.0001), and 14 BAs treatments were statistically similar to the nematicide treatment (88% reduction). Twenty four BAs treatments had increments of plant root biomass ranging from 20 to 58%, greater than the control plants; 37% of the treatments with single and combined BAs inoculations had root length increments ranging from 29 to 54% compared with control and chemical treatment. The nematicide, Terbufos 10GR, did not affect plant growth.     

Molecular fingerprinting of a new Kiwifruit cultivar (cv. Tsehelidis) and comparative analysis with cv. Hayward according to physicochemical properties

“Tsechelidis” is a new kiwifruit cultivar of Actinidia deliciosa species that was developed in North Greece (Episkopi, Imathia) through collaboration between Farmaplant S.A and Department of Agriculture Crop Production and Rural Environment, University of Thessaly.     

Performance of peach and plum based rootstocks of different vigour on a late peach cultivar in replant and calcareous conditions

The field performance of fifteen peach and plum based rootstocks of different vigour (Adesoto, Evrica, Garnem, GF 677, HM-2, Krymsk^® 1, PAC 9801-02, PAC 960, PAC 9907-02, PAC 9917-26, PAC-MUT, PADAC 9907-23, ROOTPAC^® 40, ROOTPAC^® 70 and Tetra) grafted with ‘Calrico’ cultivar was compared after 7 years of establishment on an Armillaria infested replant site. ‘Calrico’ is a selected clone of “Calanda” late peach cultivar. Differences in parameters such as tree survival, leaf chlorophyll content, vigour, yield, cumulative yield, yield efficiency and fruit size were analyzed among rootstocks. All PAC 9801-02 and Tetra trees survived and the mortality rate was low in Evrica, PADAC 9907-23 and ROOTPAC^® 40. The rest of genotypes showed higher mortality rates. Leaf chlorophyll concentration was higher when grafted on Adesoto and Evrica and lower when grafted on PAC 9907-02 and PAC 9917-26. Garnem and PADAC 9907-23 were the most vigorous rootstocks. The highest yield efficiency was induced by Krymsk^® 1 and PAC 9801-02 due to their lower vigour. The highest fruit weight was also induced by Krymsk^® 1 but its cumulative yield was low. Other rootstocks that showed high fruit weight and cumulative yields were ROOTPAC^® 70 and Tetra. Overall, Evrica, PAC 9801-02, ROOTPAC^® 40 and Tetra were among the best adapted to soil sickness and calcareous soil showing a good agronomic performance. The first three rootstocks (Evrica, PAC 9801-02, ROOTPAC^® 40) also exhibited a high capacity to control tree vigour associated with high yield efficiency.     

Study of long-distance movement of Plum pox virus (Sharka) as an alternative resistance-evaluation method in Prunus

During the breeding programs for Plum pox virus (PPV, Sharka) resistance in Prunus, the evaluation of the new releases through symptoms observation on leaves has been contradictory and represents one of the main handicaps in these programs. In order to increase the accuracy of this traditional evaluation method, we here analyze an alternative method based on the study of the ability of a genotype to allow the long-distance movement of the virus through its vascular vessels. Two different plant models have been assayed: (a) in Model I, the inoculation was performed in the ‘GF305’ rootstock with a later grafting of the genotype under evaluation and a scion of healthy control ‘GF305’, to evaluate the long-distance movement through the studied genotype from the rootstock to the scion (xylem transport), and (b) in Model II, the inoculation with ‘GF305’ diseased scions was performed by grafting these diseased scions onto the studied genotypes, which were grafted onto healthy ‘GF305’ peach seedlings, to evaluate the long-distance movement through the studied genotype from the scion to the rootstock (phloem transport). The results show that, regardless of the presence of symptoms, susceptible genotypes allowed the movement of the virus through their vascular vessels in both directions studied. However, the resistant apricot ‘Stark Early Orange’ did not allow this movement. We propose the study of the ability of a genotype to allow the long-distance movement of the virus as an alternative and more accurate method for the evaluation of PPV resistance. However, this protocol is much more tedious than the traditional one and could be used mainly in the evaluation of a reduced number of more interesting genotypes.     

Models for predicting the mass of apricot fruits by geometrical attributes (cv. Shams,Nakhjavan, and Jahangiri)

Fruits with the similar weight and uniform shape are in high demand in terms of marketing value. Therefore, an awareness of grading fruit based on weight is crucial. A part of this research was aimed to present some physical properties of three Iranian apricot cultivars (Shams, Nakhjavan, and Jahangiri). In addition, apricot mass was predicted by different physical characteristics with linear and nonlinear models as three different classifications: (1), single or multiple variable regressions of apricot dimensional characteristics. (2), single or multiple variable regressions of apricot projected areas and (3), estimating apricot mass based on its volume. All properties considered in the current study were found to be statistically significant at the 1% probability level. The highest and the lowest dimensional characteristics were found for Jahangiri and Nakhjavan cultivars, respectively. Sphericity values had significant difference among the tested cultivars. The latter property values were 0.971, 0.917, and 0.973 for Shams, Nakhjavan, and Jahangiri cultivars, respectively. Based on the results, the surface area of the Jahangiri cultivar was found to be 6458.35 mm², followed by the Shams and Nakhjavan cultivars, which had a mean of 6115.36, and 4395.25 mm², respectively. In this paper, the coefficients of static friction of the cultivars on three different surfaces are also reported. The results showed that mass modeling of apricot based on minor diameter and three projected areas are the most appropriate models in the first and the second classifications, respectively. In third classification, the best model was obtained on the basis of the actual volume as M = 0.997V_m + 0301, R² = 0.98, R.S.E. = 1.711 with R² = 0.98. It was concluded that the suitable grading system of apricot mass is based on minor diameter as nonlinear relation: M = 0.0019c^2.693, R² = 0.96, R.S.E. = 2.2.     

Effects of growing region and maturity stages on oil yield and fatty acid composition of coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) fruit

Changes on oil yield and fatty acid profiles were studied during maturation of coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) fruits cultivated in Menzel Temime and Oued Beja, Tunisia. Oil and petroselinic acid biosynthesis proceeded at a steady rate up to 16 DAF in Oued Beja and in 33 DAF in Menzel Temime. The first results show that a rapid oil accumulation started at newly formed fruits and continued until their full maturity. During fruit maturation, fatty acid profiles varied significantly among the growing regions and stages of maturity. Petroselinic acid had the highest amount at the 16th and the 33th DAF, in Oued Beja and Menzel Temime, respectively. In Oued Beja, at full maturity, the main fatty acids were petroselinic acid (80.90 ± 9.45%), followed by oleic (14.79 ± 2.25%), palmitic (3.50 ± 0.65%) and stearic (0.49 ± 0.09%) acids. Fatty acid profile of fruits cultivated in Menzel Temime showed that in fully ripe fruit, petroselinic acid is the main compound (80.86 ± 7.23%) followed by oleic (14.83 ± 2.05%), palmitic (3.27 ± 3.12%) and stearic (0.31 ± 0.05%) acids. In both growing region, fruit development resulted mainly in an increase of petroselinic acid and a decrease of palmitic acid. Saturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids decreased significantly and monounsaturated fatty acids increased during maturation of fruit. Oil composition at the first four stages of maturity has a healthy and nutritionally value and the last stages were with important economic and industrial applications. Coriander fruit is potentially an important source of petroselinic which have numerous industrial applications.     

Effect of cutting date and position on rooting ability and fatty acid composition of Carignan (Vitis vinifera L.) shoot

The effects of cutting date and position (apical, basal and central) on rooting ability and fatty acid composition from Carignan (Vitis vinifera L.) shoot were determined. Root number and weight depended of the cutting date and position. Only in the case of the cutting in the basal position, there was a highly positive correlation between number and percentage of roots (r = 0.95) during sampling date. Concerning the influence of the cutting date, the root number by cutting oscillated in a saw tooth. The root weight and percentage showed a positive correlation for the three cutting positions and they increased with time. Cutting date and position had an irregularly effect on the contents of total lipid and different fatty acids. Independently of cutting position, the contents of oleic acid (C18:1) and palmitic acid (C16:0) correlated negatively with those of linoleic (C18:2) and linolenic acids (C18:3) during sampling date.     

Growth, stomata aperture, biochemical changes and branch anatomy in mango (Mangifera indica) cv. Chokanan in response to root restriction and water stress

Mango production is often subject to space and tree size management pressures among growers. This study found that root restriction contributed to reduced leaf expansion, thus inhibiting the growth of mango trees. There was even less leaf expansion under water stress conditions. Under well-watered conditions, restricted roots considerably reduced stomatal conductance and leaf water potential compared to control root growth. More rapid reductions in stomatal conductance and leaf water potential occurred under restricted root and water stress conditions compared to control trees. Leaf proline concentrations and abscisic acid (ABA) levels increased as a result of root restriction and water stress but decreased with re-watering. Re-watering also increased stomatal conductance, leaf water potential and peroxidase accumulation in plants with both restricted and non-restricted root growth. Anatomical studies of cross sections of secondary branches showed that root restriction and water stress brought about various changes: compacted cells, as estimated by epidermis thickness and area, as well as by cortex thickness, but with increases in schelerenchyma thickness, phloem and xylem thickness, schelerenchyma area, and pith area and diameter. These results suggest that reduction of soil volume and water stress could effectively control tree size through physiological and morphological changes; thereby bringing higher sustainable returns per hectare and greater effectiveness in orchard management.     

Rootstock influences the response of pistachio (Pistacia vera L. cv. Kerman) to water stress and rehydration

Pistachio cultivation requires the use of rootstock because grafting is the only form of vegetative propagation. The main commercial rootstocks are Pistacia integerrima L., Pistacia atlantica Desf., Pistacia terebinthus L. and Pistacia vera L. Pistachio is considered to be a drought and saline-resistant crop; however, there is little information describing varietal responses of rootstocks to water stress. Some studies have suggested that P. terebinthus L. is the most drought and cold resistant rootstock. The effect of the rootstock on the water relations of the grafted plant is crucial for improving crop performance under water stress conditions and for developing the best irrigation strategy. This work studied the physiological response to water stress of pistachio plants (P. vera L. cv. Kerman) grafted onto three different rootstocks P. terebinthus L., P. atlantica Desf. and a hybrid from crossbreeding P. atlantica Desf. × P. vera L. Plant physiological responses were evaluated during a cycle of drought and subsequent recovery in potted plants. Parameters measured were soil moisture, trunk diameter, leaf area, leaf number, leaf and stem dry weight, stem water potential, leaf stomatal conductance. The results showed different responses of cv. Kerman depending on the rootstock onto which it had been grafted. The hybrid rootstock was associated with a higher degree of stomatal control and reduced leaf senescence compared to P. atlantica and P. terebinthus, despite being associated with the most vigorous shoot growth. P. terebinthus enabled very effective stomatal control but was also associated with the most rapid leaf senescence. P. atlantica was associated with less vigorous shoot growth and similar levels of water stress as occurred with the others rootstocks under conditions of high evaporative demand, which was associated with lower stomatal control. The selection of the most effective rootstock choice for different environmental conditions is discussed.     

Chemical composition and antifungal activity of cuticular wax isolated from Asian pear fruit (cv. Pingguoli)

In order to understand the cuticular wax properties of Asian pear fruits (cv. Pingguoli), a series of assays was conducted on extraction, fractionation and determination of composition. The results showed that the maximum yield of wax from the fruit was obtained by chloroform/methanol (3:1), and then by chloroform extraction. Polar and low polar fractions occupied 64.3% and 26.9% of total crude wax by column chromatography. 54 and 22 components were identified in polar and low polar fractions by GC/MS, respectively. Long-chain fatty acids and triterpenoids predominated in polar fraction and n-alkanes were predominant in low polar fraction. In vitro tests indicated that polar fraction, low polar fraction and total crude wax inhibited spore germination and mycelial growth of Alternaria alternata, which is a causal agent of Alternaria rot of pears, and the maximum inhibition was obtained by polar fraction. These findings indicated that n-alkanes in low polar fraction and triterpenoids, fatty acid in polar fraction might have contributed to the antifungal properties of pear fruit cuticular waxes.     

柑橘裂皮病类病毒的一步RT-PCR法检测及其在甜橙体内的分布

柑橘裂皮病是由柑橘裂皮病类病毒(Citrusexocortisviroid,CEVd)引起的一种重要的柑橘病害。分别采用快速微量核酸提取法和SDS-KAc抽提法在表现症状的Etrog香橼中提取核酸,采用一步RT-PCR法对CEVd进行检测,结果显示SDS-KAc法可以消除带毒样品中非特异性条带。从嫁接接毒的铜水72-1锦橙植株的接穗部取嫩叶、老叶、皮,从砧木部茎杆上取老皮以及根皮分别提取总核酸进行RT-PCR检测,分析CEVd在甜橙体内的分布情况。初步检测结果表明在接穗的嫩叶、老叶、皮,砧木部茎杆的老皮和根皮上都可以检测到CEVd,以接穗部叶和皮检出稳定性高。     

Influence of medium composition and vessel ventilation on in vitro propagation of Phillyrea latifolia L.

Micropropagation of Phillyrea latifolia L. a wild species present in Mediterranean coastal areas having drought and salt tolerance was performed using explants from adult plants. Shoots were induced from nodal explants on the Rugini’s initial medium (IM). Then these were proliferated on either Rugini olive medium (OM) or Linsmaier and Skoog (LS) medium, each supplemented with 2.22 μM 6-benzylaminopurine (BA) or 4.56 μM zeatin (Z). Rooting (66.1±11%) was induced on shoots grown in perlite soaked with half-strength Rugini olive proliferation medium (OMr) containing 2.69 μM α-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) and 160 mg l⁻¹ putrescine. Both shoot multiplication and rooting were performed using Magenta^® GA-7 (Sigma) vessels either non-permeable or permeable to gas exchanges. Contamination (about 40%) was observed during the first five passages notwithstanding the addition of cefotaxime to the culture medium, but a high proliferation rate (90%) of explants provided enough healthy plant material. The highest shoot proliferation was observed on LS medium and zeatin whereas the presence of the ventilated filters reduced fresh weight of explants growing on LS media and did not affect shoot growth on OM media. During rooting, the use of ventilated vessels in comparison with the closed ones enhanced development of roots, and doubled the dry weight of plantlets. The vessel ventilation combined with the artificial substrate (perlite) was beneficial for in vitro acclimatization of rooted Phillyrea plantlets.