In vitro storage of synthetic seeds: Effect of different storage conditions and intervals on their conversion ability

In vitro derived shoots of olive cv. Moraiolo were employed in synthetic seeds preparation by alginate encapsulation, and then stored in artificial endosperm solution at cold (4°C) and room storage (21 ± 2°C) conditions in interaction with different storage intervals of 0, 15, 30, 45 and 60 days to evaluate the comparative regrowth and conversion capacity of synthetic seeds. Cold stored synthetic seeds were superior in terms of their regrowth capacity than that of room stored ones for all the growth parameters studied. A promising degree of interaction was observed between 4°C and 45 days of storage interval for regrowth percentage as well as for shoot and root development. Moreover, an ascending trend was recorded in conversion potential with an increase in storage intervals up to 45 days (S3) whereas there was a declining trend after that up to 60 days (S4). Moreover plantlets regenerated from synthetic seeds, with 4 - 6 fully expanded leaves and well developed root system were successfully acclimatized under ex vitro conditions. The protocol can be used for germplasm exchange of woody trees and preparation of synthetic seed.