The aim of this research was to optimize the micropropagation of 'Heritage' and 'Batum' raspberries, adjusting the iron concentration in the culture medium. The treatments were evaluated during the explant multiplication, using MS medium modified in FeSO4.7H2O concentration (0, 25, 50 and 75mg L-1). The experiment was carried out during three subcultures of 45 days under 25±4°C, 20µE m-2 s-1 and photoperiod of 16 hours. The experimental design was a factorial entirely randomized (two cultivars x four FeSO4.7H2O concentrations) with four replications. The experimental unit consisted of a flask with five explants (8-10mm diameter with three to four shoots). Independently of the iron concentration in the culture medium, 'Heritage' showed the highest number of shoots per explant (6.9) providing the production of 501.1 plants in three subcultures, while 'Batum' showed 6.0 shoots per explant and production of 306.3 plants. The best FeSO4.7H2O concentration in culture medium for explant multiplication was 43.4mg L-1 for 'Heritage' and 43.1mg L-1 for 'Batum'.
'Batum'; 'Heritage'; tissue culture; plant production
