The aim of this research was to evaluate the micropropagation potential of holly (Ilex paraguariensis Saint Hilaire) aseptic plantlets derived from immature zygotic embryos. Shoot tip were inoculated in a quarter-strength MS basal medium with different doses of 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) to induce multiple shoots. Shoot tips were inoculated in a basal medium with different doses of indol-butiric acid (IBA) for in vitro rooting and to test their effects in plantlet acclimatization. The addition of 8.88µM BAP to the basal medium increased the number of adventitious shoots and shoot height. Shoot tip rooted in basal medium with 7.38µM IBA in 30 days of culture. The IBA doses of the rooting medium affect plantlet acclimatization. The described micropropagation protocol might be used to produce a high number of holly plants.
Ilex paraguariensis; biotechnology; in vitro multiplication; in vitro rooting; acclimatization
