Growth of Strawberry Plantlets Cultured in Vitro in the Agar or Commercial Plug Medium as Affected by Ionic Strength

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of supporting material and ionic strength of the MS medium on growth of strawberry plantlets cultured in vitro for the rapid mass production. Explants of Fragaria ananassa 'Houkouwase' in vitro were planted in the agar or Tosilee (commercial plug medium) medium as the supporting material and supplied with 1/4 MS, 1/2 MS or basal (as the control) MS medium in an autotrophic micropropagation. Plant height and root length were significantly greater when they were cultured in 1/2 MS medium as compared to those grown in the agar medium. Also, shoot fresh and dry weights, and leaf area in the 1/2 MS medium were greater than in 1/4 MS or basal MS medium. When plantlets were cultured in Tosilee medium and fed with the basal MS medium, plant height, root length, shoot fresh and dry weights, root fresh and dry weights, and leaf area were promoted and greater than those in plantlets cultured in the agar medium.