INFLUENCE OF ACTIVATED CHARCOAL ON IN VITRO EMBRYO GERMINATION AND GROWTH OF PLANTLETS OF PISTACHIO (Pistacia vera L.)

In the present study, the effect of activated charcoal on in vitro embryos germination and growth of Pistacia vera seedlings was investigated. Different concentrations (0, 0.5, 1, 2, 5 and 10 g.l) were incorporated in Hormone-free MS basal medium. The results obtained after 30 days of culture showed that adding activated charcoal to the culture medium had no effect on in vitro germination of embryonic axes of Pistacia vera L. Indeed, the germination rate was 100% for different experimental treatment. However, activated charcoal in the medium culture improved seedlings growth. The best results were obtained with 2 g l-1 active charcoal. The improvement percentage of growth was 44.4% for aerial parts and 67.4% for roots.