An assessment of the in-vitro multiplication rates of fourteen black currant cultivars

Summary

The in-vitro multiplication rates of fourteen black currant (Ribes nigrum) cultivars from a range of geographical origins were compared. Shoot tips and axillary buds were cultured for 21 days in a medium supplemented with 2.2 mg l^?1 6-benzylaminopurine. The highest shoot multiplication rate achieved was by cv. Ben Lomond, where the mean rate was 3.53 shoots from a single initial expiant. Mean rates between 1.50 and 3.33 were obtained from other cultivars. The results are discussed in relation to the parentage of each cultivar.