Encapsulation of in vitro-derived propagules of two genotypes of Capparis spinosa (L.) from Pantelleria Island

Encapsulation technology, combining the advantages of zygotic or gamic seed with those of micropropagation, has recently attracted the interest of researchers as a new propagation approach, mainly due to the unsatisfying results of the traditional propagation strategies. The encapsulation of uninodal microcuttings (3-4 mm long) from two Sicilian Capparis spinosa (L.) genotypes (from Pantelleria Island: 'Tracino' and 'Scauri') was evaluated, observing the influence of the calcium alginate coating and of three different growth regulators (PGRs): 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP), meta-topolin (MT) and zeatin (ZEA), on viability, regrowth and conversion of the propagules. Caper microcuttings were diss…