The influence of copper and zinc ions on in vitro morphogenesis of seedlings and microshoots of Caragana pygmaea L.

DOI: 10.34736/FNC.2026.133.2.007.62-71  ____ ___ ___

Zholobova Olga Olegovna, Candidate of Biological Sciences, Leading Researcher – Head of the Biotechnology Laboratory, Federal Scientific Center of Agroecology, Complex Melioration and Protective Afforestation of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 400062, Volgograd, 97 Universitetsky Ave., Russian Federation. ORCID: 0000-0002-1594-4181.

e-mail: zholobova-o@vfanc.ru

Malyukov Nikita Anatolyevich, Laboratory Researcher, Biotechnology Laboratory, Federal Scientific Center of Agroecology, Complex Melioration and Protective Afforestation of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 400062, Volgograd, 97 Universitetsky Ave., Russian Federation. ORCID: 0009-0006-1413-1804.

e-mail: malukov-n@vfanc.ru

Tereshchenko Tatyana Vasilevna, Junior Researcher, Federal Scientific Center of Agroecology, Complex Melioration and Protective Afforestation of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 400062, Volgograd, 97 Universitetsky Ave., Russian Federation, ORCID: 0000-0001-9116-6062.

e-mail: tereschenko@vfanc.ru

Grichik Elena Leonidovna, Junior Researcher, Federal Scientific Center of Agroecology, Complex Melioration and Protective Afforestation of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 400062, Volgograd, 97 Universitetsky Ave., Russian Federation, ORCID: 0000-0003-4478-6538.

e-mail:grichik-e@vfanc.ru

Abstract. Copper and zinc ions are essential micronutrients for plants; however, when present in excess, they can have toxic effects, including inhibition of growth, root development, enzyme activity, and leaf chlorosis. Studying their effects on plant growth and development under controlled in vitro conditions can facilitate the optimization of micropropagation protocols. This study examines the effects of different concentrations of zinc and copper ions in the culture medium on morphogenesis in seedlings and regenerated plants of C. pygmaea with the aim of optimizing the micropropagation protocol. Eleven experimental culture media supplemented with zinc and copper sulfates were analyzed, along with a control group cultured on Murashige and Skoog medium according to the standard protocol. Seed germination, as well as morphometric parameters of seedlings and microshoots grown in vitro, were evaluated. The results demonstrated the involvement of zinc and copper ions in the morphogenesis of C. pygmaea under in vitro conditions. Zinc ions within the studied concentration range (1.875-30 mg/L) exerted a stimulating effect on the growth and development of explants. The most favorable morphometric characteristics of microshoots were observed in plants cultured on medium supplemented with 3.75 mg/L zinc. In contrast, copper ions (3.75-60 mg/L) exhibited pronounced toxicity, significantly inhibiting growth and root formation, as well as disrupting water balance. High concentrations (30-60 mg/L) were found to be sublethal for C. pygmaea explants. Overall, modification of the culture medium by adding zinc sulfate at a concentration of 3.75 mg/L was shown to increase the efficiency of C. pygmaea micropropagation.

Keywords. Caragana pygmaea L.; zinc; copper; morphometric parameters; in vitro.

For citation. Zholobova O. O., Malyukov N. A., Tereshchenko T. V., Grichik E. L. The influence of copper and zinc ions on in vitro morphogenesis of seedlings and microshoots of Caragana pygmaea L. // Scientific Agronomy Journal. 2026;2(133):62-71. DOI: 10.34736/FNC.2026.133.2.007.62-71.

Funding. This work was carried out with the support of the Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation, project FNFE-2025-0010 (registration No. 125021402244-3)

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