In vitro Regeneration of Okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench] through Nodal and Shoot Apex Explants

Abstract

Background: Okra is an economically important crop grown in tropical, subtropical and Mediterranean countries. It belongs to the Malvaceae family. This study aims to propagate this plant on a large scale by its in vitro regeneration and obtain healthy plants. Methods: Okra is micropropagated from nodal and shoot apex explants excised from 21-day-old seedlings. Isolated explants were then cultured in Murashige and Skoog medium without plant growth regulators at a temperature of 27°C, a photoperiod of 16-h light/8-h dark and a light intensity of 3000 lux. Leaves formation occurred after one week of culture, followed after 10 days by rooting formation. Result: The plantlets formed, grew and developed and after one month of cultivation under the same conditions, a difference in the length of the shoot was recorded, measuring 10.12 cm in the plantlets obtained from nodal segments and 7.37 cm in the plantlets from shoot apices. There was also a minimal difference in rooting, which was well observed in plantlets regenerated from nodal explants. Both types of explants developed into complete plantlets in only one month. Then, they were transferred to the greenhouse for acclimatisation. Using this technique, the in vitro production of plants is relatively simple, fast and less expensive.