In vitro hormone-regulated growth and floral induction of Cuscuta reflexa: a parasitic angiosperm

Abstract

The role of different growth regulators in callus induction, shoot regeneration, floral induction and chlorophyll content of the obligatory parasitic plant Cuscutareflexa has been studied. Callus development was excellent from the nodal part of the shoot explants in modified Murashige and Skoog (MMS) media supplemented with 2 mg L−1 benzyl adenine (MMS1c). Supplementation of 2 mg L−1 naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) along with MMS1c (MMS2c) was responsible for estimable shoot induction and development in callus. 2,4-Dichloro acetic acid (2,4-D) played a crucial role in the floral induction of C. reflexa in vitro. MMS supplemented with 2 mg L−1 NAA and 2 mg L−1 2,4-D (MMS3b) supported floral induction after shooting in vitro. MMS supplemented with 3 mg L−1 2,4-D (MMS4a) rapidly induced flower directly from the stem explants without showing any elongation of shoot. MMS1c along with MMS3b (MMS5a) showed callus proliferation followed by shoot elongation and floral induction. In vitro MMS5a grown plants show a sharp increase in the chlorophyll contents. Cytokinin treatment further increases the chlorophyll level of the plant.