In vitro surface sterilization optimization in two high-potential Pistacia rootstock genotypes using statistical and machine learning approaches

Hatipoğlu İ. H., Akyüz B., Ak B. E.

Turkish Journal of Agriculture - Food Science and Technology , cilt.14, sa.8, ss.2238-2245, 2026 (TRDizin)

Özet

Surface sterilization of woody species, such as Pistacia, is often inefficient in vitro. This is largely due to endogenous contamination and phenolic exudation, which frequently lead to lower culture success rates. The objective of this study was to compare the effectiveness of different chemical sterilization agents and concentrations on contamination control and early shoot development in two promising Pistacia rootstock genotypes [Genotype-I (Pistacia palaestina) and Genotype-II (Pistacia terebinthus]. A series of eight sterilization treatments was subjected to rigorous evaluation under controlled culture conditions. The treatments included hydrogen peroxide (15% and 30%), silver nitrate (0.1% and 0.5%), mercuric chloride (0.1% and 0.5%), and sodium hypochlorite (1% and 2%). The contamination ratio, survival ratio, shoot diameter, and shoot length were measured. Specifically, the interaction between genotype and concentration was found to be the most influential factor in determining shoot regeneration rates. Genotype I demonstrated lower contamination levels and higher survival and shoot growth than Genotype II. Among the tested sterilants, sodium hypochlorite at concentrations ranging from 1% to 2% showed the most balanced performance, reducing contamination while maintaining higher survival rates and superior shoot growth. In contrast, higher concentrations of mercuric chloride, despite relatively low contamination levels, inhibited the growth. Several machine learning models were utilized to examine relationships within the data. The results showed high predictive accuracy, particularly for survival rates and shoot diameter outcomes. The findings indicate that the efficiency of sterilization in Pistacia is strongly genotype-dependent and that optimized sodium hypochlorite treatments offer a practical and less phytotoxic alternative for the successful in vitro establishment of selected rootstock genotypes.