In vitro propagation of Vicia faba L. by micro-cutting and multiple shoot induction

Abstract

The influences of nitrogen sources, culture temperature and activated charcoal supplements were studied in relation to the rooting ability of V. faba cuttings. The interaction of these factors led to quantitative and qualitative modifications of the culture responses. Low temperatures (14–18°C) were suitable for in vitro culture, limiting the formation of phenolics in plant material and making activated charcoal supplement unnecessary. Nitrogen supplements contributed in modifying the different plant responses, in accordance with temperature. Multiple shoot formation was obtained from the cotyledonary node and from the stem nodes cultivated in the presence of 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP). BAP at 4 mg l-1 was the most effective concentration in promoting high rates of shoot development. The original position of stem nodes was found to determine the explant response to plant growth regulator treatments, possibly due to the effect of residual apical dominance.