The embryo culture technique allows developing embryos of the seeds that could not germinate in conventional planting conditions. This technique is very useful to improve breeding programmes of early-maturing peach cultivars. The use of different genotypes makes to be necessary adjustments to the protocol. The objective of this study was to test four culture medium (WPM, SH, MS and SBH) and two sucrose concentrations (1.5 and 3%) to find the best combination for growing peach embryos in vitro. The genotypes used as a model were 'Conserva 1129', in 2009, and 'Conserva 844', in 2010. There were evaluated the germination (quality of germination and percentage of normal germination) and in vitro development (roots and steam length, and number of leaves and secondary roots); the stem length, leaf number, percentage of embryo survival and formation of rosettes, during greenhouse establishment. Considering the conditions under which the experiments were conducted, it can be concluded that in vitro stratification and germination of immature peach embryos were improved when performed in media with higher salt concentration of sucrose.
Prunus persica; early-maturing peach; embryo culture; embryo rescue
