In vitro flowering of shoots regenerated from cultured nodal explants of Rosa hybrida cv. 'Heirloom'

Abstract

A protocol to culture nodal explants of Rosa hybrida cv. 'Heirloom' in vitro was developed. Multiple shoot formation of up to 3 shoots were obtained on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 13.3 mM BA and 9.3 mM kinetin. Regenerated shoots cultured on MS medium containing various concentrations of BA, kinetin, and sucrose did not flower. Flower induction occurred when regenerated shoots were cultured on MS medium supplemented with 13.3 mM BA and 9.3 mM kinetin under photoperiod of 12/12 (light/dark cycle). The 3-week intervals for two consecutive subcultures on this medium were efficient for flower induction. Shoots readily rooted on 1/4 MS medium were found to be devoid of growth regulators. Rooted plantlets were hardened and established in pots at 100% survival.