System for propagating in vitro tissue cultures of a plant species

A culture system comprising:

• a container;
• a composite contained in said container and including a first medium having properties conducive to culture growth, and a second medium received on the surface of the first medium to form a light-inhibiting layer;
• and
• a removable opaque sleeve adapted to surround said container.

A method of preparing a culture system comprising:

• providing a container having an opening;
• forming a first medium in said container, said first medium being conducive to culture growth;
• applying a second medium to the surface of said first medium, said second medium inhibits the passage of light to said first medium;
• and
• placing a removable opaque sleeve around a lower region of said container.

A system for stimulating rooting of an explant of a plant species comprising:

• a lower layer formed of a first medium including at least one nutrient for promoting rooting of said explant;
• an agar based upper layer received on the surface of said lower layer, said upper layer comprising agar and an opaque material;
• and
• a means for containing said lower layer and said upper layer.