Micropropagation and Establishment of Humulus lupulus L. Plantlets Under Field Conditions at Southern Brazil

Tissue culture technique can be an important approach for the rapid propagation of Humulus lupulus L. (hop plant). The present study evaluated different culture media for hop plants (cv. Columbus) in vitro shoots multiplication, as well as ex vitro rooting and plantlets establishment under field conditions at Southern Brazil. The culture medium containing the plant growth regulator thidiazuron (TDZ) resulted in greater in vitro shoots multiplications (five shoots per explant). For microcuttings ex vitro rooting, indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) application at a concentration of 3000 mg L-1 resulted in higher rooting and survival percentages during acclimatization. After 90 days of acclimatization, the plantlets were transplanted under field conditions and had their development and productivity evaluated 122 days after transplanting. Micropropagated plants achieved 100% survival under field conditions. Nitrogen supply is highly necessary for hop plants initial development at Southern Brazil. Micropropagation is a viable technique for quality plantlet production of H. lupulus cv. Columbus.