Abstract
The adoption of rootstocks belonging to Pyrus communis might overcome soil related problems in the pear industry, but currently available genotypes are often not very attractive for the growers due to their excessive vigour. The present study reports the trials undertaken to optimise the in vitro rooting of several genotypes under selection at the University of Bologna: A74, C91, D41, D46, E 82, E105, E110. Results indicate that rooting percentage significantly differed among genotypes with highest rates for D41 and lowest values for A74. Rooting was in general higher with MS than with QL medium. Phluoroglucinol had no effect on rooting on both substrates. The rate of macronutrients was uneffective in MS while for QL the 50% rate performed better than 100% rate. Results allowed to develop protocols for in vitro rooting of Pyrus communis rootstock selection.