In vitro break of dormancy of axillary buds from woody species (Persea indica and Arbutus unedo) by sectioning with a laser beam

Abstract

The effect of laser cut of explants on the break of dormancy of axillary buds and the development of micropropagated Persea indica and Arbutus unedo nodal segments was investigated. A continuous CO2 wave laser was used. A regular cut was obtained with a laser power of 75 W and a corresponding cutting speed of 0.01 m s−1. Using these parameters, the surfaces of the segments were cut consistently with little or no disruption of the neighboring cells and tissues, in contrast to the irregular cut made with a surgical blade, especially at the level of vascular vessels. For both species studied, when the sectioning was performed in November or December, the laser cut promoted break of dormancy of axillary buds and a faster growth of the resulting shoots. When sectioning was carried out in February, the laser cut had little or no effect on axillary bud development.