Encapsulation of Shoot Tips and Nodal Segments for in Vitro Storage of "Kober 5BB" Grapevine Rootstock

In vitro preservation of the "Kober 5BB" rootstock (Vitis berlandieri × Vitis riparia) was assessed with the encapsulation technique and slow growth storage. Shoot tips and nodal segments excised from in vitro cultures were encapsulated in calcium-alginate beads. A 30 min ion exchange time proved optimal for forming proper beads. The encapsulated and naked explants were stored at 4 °C in the dark or light. After 9 months of cold storage, the highest regrowth, 83.3%, was recorded for the encapsulated shoot tips maintained in darkness. The development of the encapsulated nodal segments was 55.6% under the same storage conditions. The encapsulated explants had a better regrowth capacity after storage than the naked explants.