IN VITRO MICROPROPAGATION AND MICROGRAFTING TECHNOLOGIES FOR SEEDLING PRODUCTION OF ELITE WALNUT VARIETIES

This article examines the enhancement of micropropagation and micrografting technologies for the promising walnut cultivar "Chandler" and its rootstocks under in vitro conditions. The study provides a comparative analysis of the effects of various basal nutrient media (DKW, MS, WPM) and phytohormone (BAP, TDZ, IBA) concentrations on explant regeneration and proliferation. Scientifically grounded results indicate that the highest multiplication rate (1:4.8) was achieved using a combination of 1.5 mg/l BAP and 0.01 mg/l IBA in the DKW medium. For the first time, the methodology and union mechanism of micrografting "Chandler" shoot tips onto in vitro seedlings are described. The findings facilitate the continuous, year-round production of high-quality, virus-free walnut planting material.