FACTORS AFFECTING THE REGENERATION OF PEPPER (CAPSICUM ANNUUM L.)

Abstract

Several growth hormone combinations and silver nitrate concentrations were examined for their effect on regeneration of different pepper genotypes. Primary leaf explants from in vitro seedlings were cultured on a revised Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with auxin, cytokinin and 1.6% glucose. Combinations of different concentrations of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), 0-5 mg/l, and 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP), 0-5 mg/l, were tested to determine the most effective medium for shoot primordium formation. Experiments with IAA and BAP did not result in a specific growth hormone combination appropriate for regeneration of all genotypes tested. Of the silver nitrate concentrations tested, 10 mg/l resulted in the best shoot and leaf differentiation and reduced callus formation. Differences in organogenic response of individual genotypes were evaluated on a single regeneration medium. Whole plants were regenerated from 11 of 63 genotypes examined. Based on these experiments, a reproducible regeneration system for pepper was developed with a total of 500 plants regenerated to date.