An optimized cryopreservation protocol for embryonic axes (EAs) of chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) has been developed based on the encapsulation-vitrification procedure. EAs of mature seeds were aseptically dissected and encapsulated in alginate beads with or without 0.3% (w/v) activated charcoal (AC). Embedded EAs were dehydrated with Plant Vitrification Solution 2 for different treatment times up to 120 min, followed by direct immersion in liquid nitrogen. Cryopreserved embryonic axes encapsulated with AC showed higher survival (70%) compared to those encapsulated without AC (50%). Sixty-four percent of embryonic axes, from synthetic seeds with AC, subsequently developed as whole plants. Plantlet regrowth was faster in AC-encapsulated EAs and showed enhanced postcryopreservation shoot and root regrowth over 2 cm after five weeks from rewarming. Results indicate that encapsulation-vitrification with activated charcoal added to the beads is an effective method for the long-term preservation of Castaneasativa embryonic axes.
Keywords: European chestnut; activated charcoal; alginate; cryopreservation; zygotic embryo.