Pioneering in vitro micropropagation of sumac (Rhus coriaria L.) using promising SPM medium in bioreactor system

Abstract Conventional propagation methods of sumac ( Rhus coriaria L.), a medicinal and aromatic shrub, face challenges such as low germination rates and slow growth. This study introduces a novel in vitro micropropagation approach utilizing a temporary immersion bioreactor system (TIS) alongside newly developed Shrub Plants Medium (SPM) to overcome these limitations. Focusing on the GN-61 genotype of sumac, selected from the eastern Mediterranean region of Turkey, this study tested various plant growth regulators (PGRs), including BAP, TDZ, KIN, and ZEA, in both semi-solid and bioreactor systems to evaluate their effects on shoot proliferation, rooting success, and biomass accumulation. Results demonstrated that the bioreactor system (BIO) combined with SPM, particularly with ZEA + IAA and BAP + IAA treatments, achieved superior shoot lengths (72.33 mm and 70 mm, respectively) compared with the semi-solid medium. The highest rooting success (93.33%) was achieved with IAA in BIO, whereas the most significant biomass accumulation was observed in the semi-solid medium treated with TDZ + IAA. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed distinct treatment and characteristic groupings, with BIO promoting shoot growth, while semi-solid medium (SSM) + TDZ favored biomass accumulation. These findings highlight the effectiveness of the bioreactor system paired with SPM for efficient and scalable sumac propagation, thus making valuable contributions to sustainable cultivation practices and meeting the growing demand for medicinal and aromatic plants.