Effect of different explants on in vitro propagation of gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii)

Abstract

This research work involves shoot induction, multiplication of induced shoot and their rooting in Gerbera jamesonii (Gerbera). For shoot induction, apical meristems and vegetative buds were used. Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium containing 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) alone or in combination with indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) was tested. Best shoot induction response was obtained after 8 days of inoculation from apical meristem and after 12 days of inoculation from vegetative buds on MS medium supplemented with 10 mg/L BAP and 8.8 μM BAP + 2.87 μM IAA respectively. Apical meristems showed more pronounced effect for shoot formation than vegetative buds. Maximum number of multiple shoots was obtained on MS medium containing 10 mg/L BAP. These multiple shoots increased in their number when were given subsequent incubation period. Addition of naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) and kinetin to BAP showed good shoot multiplication response. Shoots after attaining the size of 5.0 cm were shifted for rooting. Best rooting response was obtained on MS medium containing 10 mg/L NAA. Hardening response was the best in autoclaved sand. This study provided the rapid way of multiplication of this important ornamental plant. Keywords: Gerbera, micropropagation, multiple shoot formation, growth medium