Effect of in vitro cold storage on surviving and proliferation of cork-oak (Quercus suber L.) cultures

Cork-oak cultures were stored in vitro without na intervening subculture, at 5º C in the dark for 5 months without loosing their capacity to regenerate when subcultured under standard conditions. The viability, proliferation rate and elongation of the explants were evaluated during 5 months of storage. Proliferation rate of stored cultures was observed during 5 months of storage. Proliferation rate of stored cultures was observed during the following 3 profileration cycles and compared to unstored controls of the same age. Shoot cultures survived with 100% viability and the proliferation rate was not statistically different from the controls. The results here described indicate the feasibility of establishing na in vitro active gene bank for Quercus suber.