Cryopreservation of citrus seed via dehydration followed by immersion in liquid nitrogen

Authors: KAYA, ERGUN - Mugla Sitki Kocman University; SOUZA, FERNANDA - Embrapa; YILMAZ GOKDOGAN, EMEL - Mugla Sitki Kocman University; CYLAN, MUAMMER - Mugla Sitki Kocman University; Jenderek, Maria

Submitted to: Turkish Journal of Biology
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 10/1/2016
Publication Date: 2/20/2017
Citation: Kaya, E., Souza, F., Yilmaz Gokdogan, E., Cylan, M., Jenderek, M.M. 2017. Cryopreservation of citrus seed via dehydration followed by immersion in liquid nitrogen. Turkish Journal of Biology. 41:242-248.

Interpretive Summary: Cryopreservation method of selected citrus seeds was improved resulting in 73.3 to 93.3% of post liquid nitrogen storage viability. The improved cryo method supports a long-term storage of citrus seeds on an applied level.

Technical Abstract: An important method for plant germplasm conservation is offered by a biotechnology-based approach of cryopreservation. Cryopreservation refers to the storage of plant material at ultralow temperatures in liquid nitrogen. A procedure for cryopreservation of polyembryonic seeds was improved for selected citrus cultivars from Turkey. Seed dehydration was performed at different exposure times, in sterile conditions of a laminar flow-hood. The tested cultivars showed the highest tolerance to low temperature storage when the seeds were first dehydrated to a moisture content of 21.8% for Poncirus trifoliata Raf. × Citrus sinensis Osb. and to 17.6% for Citrus limonia Osbeck. The post cryopreservation germinability ranged from 73.3% (Poncirus trifoliata Raf. × C. sinensis Osb. and Fortunella margarita (Lour.) Swingle) to 93.3% (C. jambhiri Lush.). Dehydration was beneficial for germination of seeds from all of the tested citrus species after the liquid nitrogen exposure. Seedlings derived from cryopreserved seeds had well-formed shoots and roots and were easily acclimated to greenhouse conditions.