title: Optimization of Water Content for the Cryopreservation Of Allium sativum In Vitro Cultures by Encapsulation-Dehydration.
abstract: There is a general requirement to determine and correlate water content to viability for the standardization of conservation protocols to facilitate effective cryostorage of plant germplasm.
  
  
  
  This study examined water content as a critical factor to optimize the cryostorage of Allium sativum.
  
  
  
  Stem discs were excised from post-harvest, stored bulbs prior to cryopreservation by encapsulation-dehydration and water content was determined gravimetrically.
  
  
  
  Survival of cryopreserved stem discs was 42.5 %, with 22.5 % exhibiting shoot regrowth following 6 h desiccation. Gravimetric data demonstrated a correlation between water content corresponding with survival / regrowth from desiccated, cryopreserved stem discs. For encapsulated stem discs a 25 % residual moisture and corresponding water content of 0.36 g H2O g-1d.wt correlated with maximal survival following ~6.5 h of desiccation.
  
  
  
  The data concurs with the literature suggesting the formation of a stable vitrified state and a 'window' for optimal survival and regrowth that is between 6 - 10 h desiccation. Further studies using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) are suggested to substantiate these findings.
authors.forename: P T
authors.initials: PT
authors.lastname: Lynch
authors.affiliation: Environmental Sustainability Research Centre, University of Derby, Kedleston Road, Derby, DE22 1GB, UK.
authors.forename: G R
authors.initials: GR
authors.lastname: Souch
authors.affiliation: Crop Research Institute, Drnovsha 507, CZ 161 06 Prague 6- Ruzyne, Czech Republic.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Zamecnik
authors.affiliation: Damar Research Scientists, Damar, Drum Road, Cuparmuir, Fife, Scotland, KY15 5RJ, UK *Corresponding author email: k.harding-damar@tiscali.co.uk.
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Harding
mesh_terms: D015925:Cryopreservation / Q000379:methods*; D003890:Desiccation / Q000379:methods*; D005737:Garlic / Q000502:physiology*; D018517:Plant Roots / Q000502:physiology*; D058989:Vitrification; D014867:Water / Q000032:analysis*
chemical_list: D014867:Water