Genetic and epigenetic stability of recovered mint apices after several steps of a cryopreservation protocol by encapsulation-dehydration. A new approach for epigenetic analysis.

The genetic and epigenetic stability (analysis of DNA methylation using MSAP markers) of mint (Mentha x piperita L.) apices was studied after each step of a cryopreservation protocol, by encapsulation-dehydration. The effect of the addition of an antioxidant (ascorbic acid) during one of the protocol steps was also evaluated.