Variability of tolerance of Wild cherry clones to PEG-induced osmotic stress in vitro

The effects of drought simulated via osmotic stress induced by polyethylene glycol (PEG) in the growing medium were examined on two Wild cherry (Prunus avium L.) clones (6A and 8A) based thirteen morphometric, physiological, biochemical traits. shoot tips exposed to PEG concentrations (20 50 g L-1) designed for micropropagation with axillary buds. results showed that all morphological physiological traits significantly reduced, indicating a strong detrimental effect increased concentrations. significant decline radical scavenging activity against ABTS•+ total content flavonoids (TFC) phenols (TPC) recorded both as response high concentrations, whereas opposite trends noticed ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). Clone 8A achieved better performance, having more intensive growth, higher multiplication percentage, values carotenoids, intense decrement ABTS increment FRAP compared clone 6A. principal component analysis indicate parameter TFC/TPC stem leaves, well TFC stems, strongest relation morphometric parameters. Our confirm feasibility vitro evaluation tolerance cherry, supporting further research variability this noble broadleaved tree species.