Objective The study aims to establish a tissue culture and rapid propagation system for salt-tolerant Photinia benthamiana Hance.

Method The stem segments of salt-tolerant Photinia benthamiana Hance seedlings were used as experimental materials. The orthogonal test design and variance analysis were used to explore the best sterilization treatment of explants, axillary bud induction, adventitious bud proliferation and optimal medium for rooting culture.

Result The best sterilization method of salt-tolerant Photinia benthamiana Hance stems with buds was as follows: rinsing with washing powder for 20 minutes, washing with running water for 60 minutes, then sterilizi ng with 75% ethanol for 10 seconds and with 0.15% mercuric chloride for 3 minutes, and washing with sterile water for 5 times. The survival rate of explants was the highest, which was 76.67%. The optimal induction medium MS+1.0 mg/L 6-BA+0.2 mg/L NAA+30 g/L sucrose+5.5 g/L agar was conducive to axillary bud induction. Under this culture condition, the induction rate was 73.33%, the average number of buds was 1.03, which was significantly higher than that of other treatments, and the leaves of adventitious buds were green and grew well. The proliferation medium 1/2MS+2.0 mg/L 6-BA+0.5 mg/L NAA+30 g/L sucrose+5.5 g/L agar was beneficial to the proliferation of adventitious buds. Under this culture condition, the proliferation coefficient was 3.1, which was significantly higher than that of other treatments, and the adventitious buds had more differentiation, with green leaves and good growth. The rooting medium 1/2MS+0.4 mg/L IBA+30 g/L sucrose+5.5 g/L agar was beneficial to the rooting of adventitious buds. Under this culture condition, the rooting rate was 87%, the average number of roots was 6.22, and the average root length was 3.78 cm, significantly higher than that of other treatments, and the roots were robust.

Conclusion In the study, the tissue culture and rapid propagation system for salt-tolerant Photinia benthamiana Hance is preliminarily established, which provides seedling support for the utilization of coastal tidal flats.