Micropropagation of strawberry (Fragaria ananassa “pajaro”)by meristem culture method

Abstract

Experiments were carried out to examine the effects of different combinations of plant growth regulators in vitro micropropagation of strawberry plants. Specimens were sterilised by a different concentration of sodium hypochlorite - NaOCl (1, 2, and 3%) for 20 mins. A meristem was separated and cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) containing 0.3 mg/l BAP for 8 weeks. Initial shoots were transferred to MS with various concentrations of BAP (0, 0.1, 0.3, and 0.5 mg/l) and kinetin (0, 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3 mg/l) in either single or combination. After 6 weeks of culture, the regenerated shoots were transferred on 1/2 MS with different concentrations of NAA (0, 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, and 1.0 mg/l) and BAP (0, 0.1, 0.3, and 0.5 mg/l) in either single or combination. The results showed that the lowest percentage of contamination (10%) and the highest percentage of regeneration (80%) response were achieved on MS media by sterilisation with 3% NaOCl for 20 mins. The highest shoot proliferation per explant (16.2 shoots/explant) was reached on MS with 0.3 mg/l BAP plus 0.1 mg/l kinetin. 1/2 MS media with 0.1 mg/l NAA plus 0.1 mg/l BAP induced 14.4 roots per shoot and produced the longest roots (9.1 cm). However, the higher concentration of NAA (0.3-1.0 mg/l) or in combination with BAP resulted in callus formation. The plantlets, thus developed, were hardened and successfully established in soil containing organic fertiliser: Trichoderma: coconut peat (1:1:1 v/v/v).