Using modern biotechnologies for conservation of the genepool of commercial and wild grapes

Mirakbar Yakubov¹, Fayzulla Abdullaev²

1. Center for Advanced Technologies, Almazar District, 3a Talabalar shakharchasi, 100174, Tashkent, Uzbekistan
2. LLC “Center for the Implementation of Innovations and Technologies”, Yukori-Chirchik District, Surnkent, Sakhovat Str., 111910, Tashkent Region, Uzbekistan

Mirakbar Yakubov: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2928-8805 Fayzulla Abdullaev: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2162-291X

Abstract

Plant genetic resources represent a fundamental basis for biodiversity and the sustainable development of agriculture. Their conservation is critically important for breeding, adaptation to climate change, and ensuring food security. One of the most effective approaches for the preservation and regeneration of rare and endangered plant forms is the use of in vitro technologies. This study aimed to develop an in vitro initiation protocol for commercial grape cultivars «Rizamat» and «Taifi Rozoviy», as well as the wild subspecies Vitis vinifera ssp. silvestris. Thimerosal was used as a sterilizing agent at different concentrations. The most effective treatment was 0.1 mg/L for 5-7 minutes, which ensured complete sterility and 100.0% explant survival. Two hormone-free nutrient media, MS and WPM, were tested. The MS medium demonstrated superior performance, with 90.0% bud break and up to 80.0% shoot induction. Shoots developed strong morphology and normal structure. In contrast, the WPM medium resulted in slower development and thinner shoots. Rooting was performed on a modified MS medium supplemented with 0.2 mg/L NAA. Optimal rooting occurred in shoots measuring 2.5-3.0 cm in height and bearing 2-3 well-developed leaves. These shoots developed complete and functional root systems. The developed protocol enables efficient cultivation of both cultivated and wild grape forms. It provides a valuable foundation for the production of healthy planting material and for the long-term conservation of grapevine germplasm. The results are applicable in the practice of micropropagation, grapevine biotechnology, and breeding programs in Uzbekistan and other countries with similar agro-climatic conditions.

Acknowledgements

The authors express their sincere appreciation to the Center for Advanced Technologies (Tashkent, Uzbekistan) and the LLC “Center for the Implementation of Innovations and Technologies” (Tashkent Region, Uzbekistan) for providing institutional support, laboratory facilities, and technical assistance necessary for conducting this study. The authors also acknowledge the contributions of researchers and institutions whose previous work on grape biotechnology and genetic conservation informed this research.

Author Contributions

- Mirakbar Yakubov: Conceptualization of the study, methodological design, data interpretation, manuscript drafting, and correspondence. - Fayzulla Abdullaev: Experimental design support, analysis of biotechnological approaches, critical revision of the manuscript, and validation of scientific content.

Ethical Considerations

This study focuses on the application of modern biotechnological methods for plant genetic resource conservation and does not involve human participants, indigenous knowledge holders, or animal experimentation. All procedures related to plant materials were conducted in accordance with national and international guidelines for the conservation and sustainable use of plant genetic resources. Therefore, ethical approval and informed consent were not required for this research.

Funding

This research did not receive any specific funding from public, commercial, or non-profit funding agencies.

Conflict of Interest

The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest related to this study. No financial, institutional, or personal relationships influenced the research design, data interpretation, or publication of results.

References