Research on conversion of Carrizo citrange [C. sinensis (L.) Osb. × P. trifoliata (L.) Raf.] synthetic seeds.

Preliminary experiments on calcium-alginate encapsulation of microcuttings (unipolar propagules) were performed to evaluate the use of the in vitro culture tecniques for the propagation and the preservation of Carrizo citrange rootstock. In order to evaluate the effect of the nutritive (artificial endosperm) and protective coating on the vitro-derived explants, after 45 days of culture the viability and the regrowth of the encapsulated microcuttings (capsules) has been studied in different conditions of sowing (agarised medium and paper), comparing also the naked or encapsulated propagules. The influence of 30 days-storage at 4°C has been also observed. The preliminary results showed the positive effect of the encapsulation on the microcuttings viability (100%), a satisfactory level of regrowth and the possibility to storage at low temperatures the capsules of citrange (100% of viability). No significative differences were detected between the two sowing substrates with regard to the encapsulated propagules.