Production Of Planting Material Research Articles

ВЛИЯНИЕ РЕГУЛЯТОРОВ РОСТА НА РАЗМНОЖЕНИЕ ГИБРИДНЫХ СОРТОВ КНЯЖЕНИКИ IN VITRO

The aim of the study is to improve the technology of clonal micropropagation of Arctic bramble for mass production of planting material. The studies were conducted in 2022–2023 in the Laboratory of Plant Biotechnology of the N.V. Tsitsin Main Botanical Garden of the Russian Academy of Sciences (MBG RAS). Hybrid varieties of Rubus arcticus L. were used in the experiment: Beata, Sofia, Anna, and Astra. The effect of various growth regulators and their concentrations on the regeneration of R. arcticus L. explants was studied. When cultivating on nutrient media with different concentrations of 6-benzylaminopurine (6-BAP), no significant difference was found in the number of microshoots between Arctic bramble varieties. On a nutrient medium with the addition of 1.0 mg/l 6-BAP, Arctic bramble explants formed the maximum number of microshoots (2.93 pcs.). A significant influence of the type of cytokinin and their combinations on the reproduction rate, height and number of microshoots of Arctic bramble was noted. Cultivation on a nutrient medium with the addition of 1.0 mg/l thidiazuron and 6-BAP contributed to the formation of the greatest number of microshoots (4.33 ± 0.88 pcs.) and the maximum multiplication coefficient (14.33 ± 0.84) in Arctic bramble in vitro. A significant effect of the genotype and growth regulators on the rooting of R. arcticus microshoots was established. The Beata variety had the lowest percentage of rooted microshoots (61.5 %), average values were found in Anna (65 %) and Astra (72 %), and the maximum was found in Sofia (77 %). A nutrient medium with the addition of 0.5 mg/l IAA contributed to the active rooting of Arctic bramble microshoots (82 %).

Improvement of the elements of the technology of growing black currant seedlings

In recent years, the fruit growing industry has undergone significant changes, for example, over the past 10 years, domestic production of fruit and berry products has increased by more than 40%, the lion’s share of which is used in the food and processing industry of the Russian Federation, and occupy a special position there. Fruit and berry products are the most important source of vitamins, including vitamins such as C, P, E, K and carotene, which are not synthesized in our body in any way and must be supplied regularly with food. However, with the growth of production of these products, the need for planting material is also growing, as well as the cost of manufacturing the products themselves. In this regard, the low use of intensification agents in fruit growing, including the use of humic preparations and root-forming agents, significantly reduces the efficiency of production of high-quality planting material. To solve this problem and reduce the cost of producing seedlings by the method of lignified cuttings, it is necessary to use intensification techniques using organic fertilizers based on local raw materials. The research was carried out in 2019–2021 at the site of lignified cuttings of berry crops, the educational and experimental farm “Michurintsev Garden” of the Novosibirsk State Agrarian University. The paper analyzes the features of propagation of garden crops by the method of lignified cuttings. The effect of organic fertilizers on the survival, rooting and overwintering of cuttings is shown. The features of the growth and development of black currant under the action of organic fertilizers have been studied. The yield of commercial seedlings of garden crops has been established under the influence of applied technologies.

Unveiling the amalgamation of growing substrates and cultivars for low-cost plantlet multiplication in banana

The cultivated bananas (Musa spp.) have a complex reproductive physiology which favours the vegetative methods of propagation, particularly sucker or tissue culture, as the commercial methods. Propagation of banana through macro-propagation technique can be employed to produce quality planting materials using less inputs. With this background, a scientifically designed investigation was carried out for optimizing composition of growing substrate for low-cost planting material production in banana. This study investigates the efficacy of macro-propagation techniques using different growing substrates and bio-fertilizers for two banana cultivars: ‘Grand Naine, AAA’ and ‘Alpan, AAB’. The experiment was laid out in complete randomized design (CRD) with eight different combinations of growing substrate with five replications. Results showed significant differences in the emergence of primary, secondary and tertiary buds, as well as root development. The treatment comprising sawdust (50 %) and banana fiber waste (50 %) with Trichoderma consistently outperformed others in terms of days taken primary (21.45), secondary (46.91) & tertiary bud emergence (58.99), and maximum number of primary (4.21), secondary (7.16) & tertiary shoots (19.91). Same growing media also recorded minimum days taken for root emergence (17.61 days), maximum number of roots per shoot (161.10), primary roots (24.89), secondary roots (46.32), tertiary roots (89.90) & highest root length (21.88 cm). The cultivar ‘Grand Naine, AAA’ exhibited superior performance across most parameters compared to ‘Alpan, AAB’. Overall, the treatment comprising sawdust (50 %) and banana fiber waste (50 %) with Trichoderma found to be a cost-effective and efficient method for producing high-quality banana planting materials, enhancing banana production and sustainability.

DNA markers for early detection of somaclonal variation in Berangan banana

Banana is Malaysia’s second most cultivated fruit, with 50% of the cultivation focusing on Berangan and Cavendish types. Bananas have been identified as one of the important fruits in the National Agrofood Policy (2011-2020) due to their demand in the domestic and export markets. Thus, FGV is committed to achieving a 50% market share of local banana production through tissue culture propagation techniques. This technique enables the mass production of banana planting material in a short period. However, one downside of this technique is the random occurrence of somaclonal variation, which has been reported for various crops. FGV’s clonal propagation aims to produce true-to-type banana planting materials, therefore, somaclonal variants are undesired. Hence, we aimed to establish a marker-based screening method for early detection and elimination of Berangan somaclonal variants prior to field planting. Berangan leaf samples with and without somaclonal variation were collected from different sites. The samples’ DNA was extracted using an in-house cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) extraction method and screened using 145 Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers. RAPD markers that could distinguish somaclonal variation in the Berangan samples were developed into Sequence Characterized Amplified Region (SCAR) markers for routine screening. The SCAR markers were validated for their ability to reproduce the specific bands from the RAPD results. Of the 145 RAPD markers, three markers do not produce any bands, 47 RAPD markers produce monomorphic bands and 95 RAPD markers produce polymorphic bands. Three out of the 95 polymorphic RAPD markers were able to selectively distinguish the somaclonal variation in samples from similar sources. The three RAPD markers were developed into SCAR markers, and they successfully reproduced the specific bands from their respective RAPD results. Hence, the developed SCAR markers will be utilized for the early detection and elimination of Berangan somaclonal variants from selected sources.

High-frequency shoot regeneration, assessment of genetic fidelity, and histochemical analysis of forskolin production in Coleus forskohlii Briq.

Forskolin, a diterpenoid found in the roots of Coleus forskohlii, has generated significant interest in the medical field due to its various therapeutic uses. This study aimed to establish an effective system for regenerating C. forskohlii plants, ensuring a year-round supply of plant material and forskolin production. We tested different concentrations of cytokinins, either alone or combined with auxin, to see their impact on shoot multiplication and growth. We found that a medium supplemented with 1.5mg L-1 of meta-topolin (mT) resulted in the highest number of shoots (~ 12.66) and leaves (~ 20) within about 5days. When mT (1mg L-1) was combined with a low amount of auxin (0.05mg L-1 NAA), we obtained an even greater number of leaves (~ 23). The shoot regeneration capacity was consistent over five subculture passages, showing minimal variation in mean shoot length and number. During acclimatization, around 91% of the plantlets grown in vermiculite + sand survived. The photosynthetic pigment concentration in the plantlets modestly increased in the first 10days and reached its highest level after 30days. Genetic fidelity assays using inter simple sequence repeats (ISSRs) confirmed the similarity between the in vitro derived plantlets and the mother plant. Micro-morphological features of in vitro and ex-vitro acclimated plantlets also matched those of the mother plant, further confirming genetic accuracy. Histochemical staining with vanillin confirmed the presence of forskolin in the in vitro roots, indicated by the violet coloration in the cells. Forskolin quantification was also validated by HPLC where in vitro derived roots were documented to undergo an almost ~ 1.8-fold in comparison to that of the mother plant. This established protocol can effectively address resource scarcity for commercial-scale forskolin production and sustainable conservation techniques.

Evaluation of Growing Media and Chemical Treatment on the Seedling Growth of High Chill Peach

The present study entitled “Evaluation of Growing Media and Dormancy Breaking Chemical on the Seedling Growth of High Chill Peach” was conducted at Dept. of Horticulture, College of Agriculture and Horticulture Research Centre, G.B.P.U.A&T, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand during the year 2022-23. The experiments were carried out in Factorial Complete Randomized Design (FCRD) with 3 replications per treatment. Under seedling growth studies, the total numbers of treatment were 16 with 2 factors comprising of four growing media (soil: sand: FYM, soil: sand: vermicompost, soil: sand: cocopeat and soil: FYM: vermicompost: cocopeat) and four chemical treatments (control, GA3 @ 500 ppm, kinetin @ 50 ppm and thiourea @ 5000 ppm). In the experiment the maximum seedling length, shoot fresh weight, shoot dry weight, root length, root fresh weight and root dry weight was recorded in soil: FYM: vermicompost: cocopeat, GA3 @ 500 ppm and interaction M4C3 (soil: FYM: vermicompost: cocopeat + GA3 @ 500ppm) while the minimum values were recorded in soil: sand: cocopeat, control and M3C1. Result from this study discovered that GA3 @ 500 ppm along with the growing media soil: FYM: vermicompost: cocopeat recorded the maximum seedling length, diameter, number of leaves, leaf area, shoot fresh weight and shoot dry weight which can be recommended for raising the rootstocks for the production of quality planting material of peach for seedling rootstock.

Redefining Chronic Disease Care: Unleashing the Potential of Phytomedicines.

Phytomedicines represent a diverse array of plant-derived compounds renowned for their therapeutic potential. Traditionally, these mixtures were extracted using water or ethanol, but simpler methods like tea infusions are gaining prominence. However, ensuring the efficacy and safety of phytomedicines demands high-quality plant material and stringent production processes. Advancements in biological screening techniques have shed light on the mechanisms of action of phytomedicines, emphasizing the significance of synergistic interactions among their constituents. Ten widely-used phytomedicines are outlined, detailing their applications, efficacy, and safety profiles, underscoring their global importance in healthcare. Moreover, ongoing research in phytomedicine development showcases the rich biodiversity's capacity to yield novel medicinal compounds. These studies highlight the potential of untapped plant sources in providing innovative solutions to medical challenges, offering promising avenues for future therapeutics. In essence, the utilization of phytomedicines underscores a fusion of traditional knowledge with modern scientific approaches, emphasizing both the importance of respecting ancient remedies and harnessing contemporary advancements for improved healthcare outcomes.

Hydroponic Cultivation of Spices and Aromatics: Techniques, Benefits and Challenges

The global shift towards urbanization, with 55% of the population residing in urban areas and an anticipated rise to 68% by 2050, presents challenges to traditional farming. The increasing world population, further intensifies the strain on available agricultural land due to urban expansion. Climate change combines with these issues, make conventional cultivation more challenging. Alternative agricultural practices, such as hydroponics, gain significance in addressing these concerns. Aromatic and spices have been used for centuries for their medicinal and culinary properties. They contain various essential oils, flavonoids, and other phytochemicals responsible for their distinctive flavour and aroma, as well as their health benefits. The rising global demand for natural products from herbs and spices has led to its market growth. Hydroponics, a technology for cultivating plants in nutrient solutions with or without an artificial medium such as sand, gravel, vermiculite, rockwool, peat moss, coir or sawdust, offers a promising solution. This paper explores the potential of hydroponic cultivation for planting material production, enhancing the yield, nutritional composition, essential oil content and medicinal properties of various spice and aromatic crops, including black pepper, saffron, ginger, garlic, coriander, mint, celery, fenugreek, parsley, thyme, rosemary, green mustard, basil and others. The main challenges in hydroponic production of these crops include high initial investment, precise monitoring and lack of technical knowledge. Hence by reviewing recent literature, this paper aims to provide insights into the classification of hydroponics and its different techniques, benefits and challenges of hydroponic cultivation, various growing media and nutrient solutions used, types of hydroponics utilized and their purposes in the production of diverse herbs and spices. Embracing hydroponic techniques could contribute to sustainable agricultural practices, particularly in urbanized environments where traditional farming faces constraints.

Identification of morphological and variety diagnostic molecular markers for commercial varieties of nutmeg (Myristica fragrans Houtt.)

Abstract Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans Houtt; family: Myristicaceae) is an important tree spice of great export value due to the presence of secondary metabolites with scope in health, wellness and cosmetic industries. Its dioecious in nature due to which it is propagated by budding and grafting which requires specialised skill and as a result authentic planting material production is very expensive. Based on the constant demand from farmers and stakeholders for a suitable, fast and easy technique for determining the authenticity of nutmeg varieties, an attempt was made to develop morphological and molecular markers for the identification of three commercial varieties that are in high demand in India; viz. IISR Vishwashree, IISR Keralashree, Sindhushree and a monoecious nutmeg (MN) accession, along with their biochemical profiles. Among the various morphological characters as per distinctiveness, uniformity and stability guidelines, the varieties showed distinctness mainly in leaf shape, shape of female flowers, fruit shape and seed shape. Out of 35 ISSR primers screened, six primers viz., IS 02, ISSR 12, ISSR 05, ISSR 14, ISSR 01 and UBC 834 generated clear, unique reproducible polymorphic bands capable of distinguishing the varieties. Among the varieties analysed, MN was found to be superior in terms of seed butter and essential oil in nut, mace and leaves. IISR Vishwashree was on par with MN in nut essential oil content. IISR Keralashree was superior in terms of oleoresin in nuts and mace. The morphological and molecular markers identified may be used for effective checking of authenticity of planting materials of commercially grown nutmeg varieties.

Effect of Vermicompost and Vermicompost Tea on Vegetative Growth of Rubber Plants under Nurseries Conditions

Success in rubber growing is linked to the production of vigorous plants in the nursery. However, this cruel stage faces difficulties related to the cost of chemical fertilizer and its availability. This work carried out in 4 localities (Bimbresso, Alépé, Abengourou and Daoukro) in Côte d’Ivoire aimed to improve the production of rubber plant material in nurseries in polyethylene bags using vermicompost and vermicompost tea. The experimental design used is a Fisher block with three treatments and two repetitions. The vermicompost, vermicompost tea and control factors were compared with each other. The addition of vermicompost tea and the control for three months while the addition of vermicompost was done only once. The results indicated that vermicompost tea is the most effective treatment for the vegetative development of plants regardless of the study site. In Bimbresso, the vermicompost tea and vermicompost treatments showed the highest increases with 1.23 and 1.21 mm.month-1, compared to 1.13 mm.month-1 for the control and the highest average values of diameter at the collar. 10.1 mm was obtained with vermicompost tea. Also, the highest rate of graftable plants, grafting success and plants transferable to the field was obtained with vermicompost tea. Likewise, the mortality rate obtained with vermicompost and vermicompost tea was less than 20%. These treatments could be recommended in the production of rubber plant material.

Influence of SO4 and Rupestris du Lot (Monticola) Rootstocks on the Production of Tangra Dessert Vine Planting Material

The role of the vine rootstock and its correct selection is the main step in creating vine plantations to achieve a balance between vine growth, yield and grape quality. The studies in this direction are aimed at determining the most suitable rootstock for the different vine varieties, with the objective of their optimal development. In 2018–2021, the agrobiological parameters of vines of Tangra variety, grafted onto two rootstocks – SO4 (Berlandieri×Riparia selection Oppenheim 4) and Monticola (Rupestris du Lot), with different disposal of the root system and affecting the growth vigour and development of the vines, were studied in the Experimental nursery for grapevine rootings of IASS “Obratzov Chiflik”, Ruse, Bulgaria. The experiment was carried out in two variants, each in four replications with 50 grafted cuttings with drip irrigation and micro-jet irrigation in the first month after planting for rooting. The study aimed to recommend the most suitable rootstock for grafting Tangra dessert seedless variety to avoid adverse modification changes caused by it. Monticola rootstock was found to influence positively on the percentage of premium rooted vines, forming a better root system and inducing better growth and maturing of the increment in the production of vine planting material, compared to vines, grafted onto SO4 rootstock.

Rooting and shooting of Coffea canephora stem cuttings in response to clonal chamber conditions and rooting hormone in Ghana

Mass propagation of Coffea canephora through stem cuttings using various rooting hormones and clonal chambers is an innovative practice to hasten and mass produce planting materials of coffee for commercial production. The study was conducted to determine the rooting and shooting performance of C. canephoracuttings in response to rooting hormone and the clonal chamber using semihardwood stem cuttings. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four treatments and replicated four times. The different treatments were: cuttings treated with hormone + propagated off clonal chambercondition), control (cuttings without hormonal treatment + propagated off clonal chamber condition), cuttings treated with hormone + propagated under clonal chamber condition), and cuttings without hormonal treatment + propagated under clonal chamber condition. Data collection started on the 8 th week after propagation and data were collected on leaf number, root number, root length and mortality of cuttings for a period of ten weeks. The study indicated that, the effect of rooting hormone on the number of roots, root length and cutting mortality was significant (p 0.05) with the exception of the number of newly developed leaves. More so, the clonal chamber had a significant effect on the number of leaves, root number and root length as well as mortality (p 0.05). The cuttings treated with rooting hormone propagated under clonal chamber conditions significantly improved the number of roots, root length, number of leaves with the least mortality. However, cuttings propagated off the clonal chamber conditions had the highest mortality, least root number, least root length and least leaf number. Therefore, it is recommended that the ideal treatment for C. canephora cuttings for mass propagation is to treat cuttings with rooting hormone and propagated under clonal chamber condition.

Sea Buckthorn: A Review on the Hidden Treasure of the Temperates

Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) is one of the most common yet underutilized dioecious fruit crop of the temperate region. This plant is known as the gold mine of the cold deserts due to its exceptional winter hardiness and multiple uses. It is a potential functional food which is rich in nutritional and medicinal values and holds the potential to emerge as a future food cum medicinal crop. Traditionally, the crop is used as a folk medicine, fence, wind break, firewood and fodder. The fruits are rich in tannins, flavonoids, sterols, carotenoids, tocopherols and lipids. The cultivation of sea buckthorn is low demanding and it is seen growing wild in the valleys, riverbanks, slopes and mountains in the temperate regions. Though extensive research and developmental activities are progressing, commercial cultivation and popularization of sea buckthorn is still in the nascent stage. Some of the challenges faced by the sea buckthorn industry include lack of awareness regarding its potential, its short harvest season and high moisture content that prevents the farmers from cultivating crop and also hinders development of value-added products. An enhancement in the production aspects of this crop can be a boon to the horticulture industry. Proper interventions and policies from government, standardization of production technology, production of quality planting material of promising cultivars etc. are some of the ways towards popularizing the crop.

Развитие финансового и управленческого учета для повышения эффективности отрасли садоводства

Abstract. The purpose of the study is to develop approaches to the construction of accounting and information support for the production management system of planting material for horticulture. Methodology and methods. The methodological basis was a systematic and integrated approach to the study of the problems of accounting in horticultural organizations. Both general theoretical, universal, and specific research methods were used (monographic method; analysis and synthesis; statistical-economic, computational-constructive and accounting modeling method). Results. The article shows that in order to reduce import dependence, horticulture on an innovative basis has been intensively developing in recent years. The drastic changes taking place in the development of the horticulture industry necessitate a revision of the approach to managing this industry. At the same time, the construction of an adequate management system for the sustainable development of fruit and berry production is impossible without relevant accounting and information support for all management functions. The current state and development trends of the horticulture industry in Russia as a whole and in the Voronezh region are considered. The analysis of the dynamics of the laying of gardens and nurseries in the region is presented. It is proved that one of the key factors in the development of horticulture is the production of high-quality domestic planting material. The assessment of state support for the planting and cultivation of seedlings and young gardens was carried out. The conclusion is made about the inconsistency of the existing accounting and management accounting system for the cost of nursery products with the tasks of the management system. The scientific novelty lies in the adaptation of financial accounting methods to the requirements of federal accounting standards, among which accounting models are proposed for reflecting the facts of economic life on accounting accounts in the context of using various methods of evaluating seedlings; the development of methods and systems of managerial accounting of nursery costs in relation to options for the organization and technology of production of seedlings and modern conditions of functioning of agribusiness in horticulture; justification approaches to budgeting the cost of seedlings.

Above- and below-ground morpho-physiological traits indicate that biochar is a potential peat substitute for grapevine cuttings nursery production

The growing demand for grapevine planting materials, due to growing global viticulture, is promoting research studies to improve vineyard sustainability. In greenhouse nurseries, peat is the most common growing medium component used although is an expensive and non-renewable material. Indeed, the reduction of peat exploitation is receiving great attention, and currently, several materials are being investigated as peat substitutes for composing the cultivation substrates. Biochar, a carbon-rich, recalcitrant charred organic co-product of the pyrolysis or gasification process, has emerged as a potentially promising replacement for soilless substrates in nursery plant material propagation. Although several studies carried out at greenhouse nurseries have shown that biochar, can improve plant growth, only a few studies have focused on the production of grapevine plant material. To fulfil this knowledge gap and push forward the sustainability of the nursery sector, we evaluated above and below-ground morpho-physiological traits of one-year-old potted grapevine cuttings growing with 30% volume of four different biochar types (i.e., from pyrolysis and gasification) mixed with commercial peat. The present study shows that biochar can be used in growing media mixes without adverse effects on roots, improves soil water retention and leaf water potential, and improves the effects on soil microbiology.

A Temporary Immersion System as a Tool for Lowering Planting Material Production Costs Using the Example of Pennisetum × advena ‘Rubrum’

A Temporary Immersion System as a Tool for Lowering Planting Material Production Costs Using the Example of Pennisetum × advena ‘Rubrum’

Agro-technological aspects of growing branched annual apple nursery plants

The article presents an analytical review of Russian publications reporting the results of studies that search for optimal ways to affect apple plants in order to obtain branched annual plants. Since it has been proved that nursery plants of a certain age and quality are preferable for each type of intensive planting, as their use promotes the early maturity of trees thus ensuring a quick economic return on capital investments, it is currently relevant to study the production of apple tree planting material with specified biometric parameters. The use of mechanical impact on the above-ground part of grafted plants to suppress apical dominance is considered; the effectiveness of stimulating premature shoots in the crown area is confirmed. Much attention is paid by researchers to the chemical treatments of plants in the fields of fruit tree nurseries to improve the quality of annual plants. The use of cytokinin preparations and gibberellic acids is shown to be highly effective. The maximum effect on obtaining branched annual plants in most works was achieved in pomological apple varieties that are prone to the formation of premature shoots, with the budding on vegetatively propagated rootstocks of a first-grade commercial variety at a height of over 15 cm above the soil surface. One of the alternative ways of obtaining branched annual plants is wood grafting in spring and cultivation both in the field and in protected ground with a root-ball system. According to most researchers, the greatest effectiveness of the combined use of various techniques can be achieved only with strict adherence to conventional technologies for each method of cultivation.

АДАПТАЦИИ РЕГЕНЕРАНТОВ HUMULUS LUPULUS L. К УСЛОВИЯМ EX VITRO

The purpose of the study is to develop a scheme for two-stage adaptation of regenerated plants of common hop (Humulus lupulus L.) to ex vitro conditions using a hydroponic installation. Objectives: to study the influence of the method of fixing hop regenerants in a hydroponic system; to determine the duration of the adaptation stage in hydroponics; to select the substrate composition at the second stage of adaptation. The object was a sterile culture of common hop of three varieties: Tsivilsky, Flagman and Taurus, after completion of the in vitro rooting stage on a nutrient medium according to the Murashige-Skoog recipe (MS) containing glucose (20 g/l) and IBA (0.5 mg/l). The duration of the adaptation stage of hops rooted in vitro in a tidal-type hydroponic system was determined, identified by the stable maintenance of turgor by leaves and active growth of shoots – 18–21 days. The influence of the method of fixing hop regenerants in a hydroponic system was studied: the use of seedling cassettes with a substrate of perlite and vermiculite (1 : 1) showed a 25 % higher survival rate of plants compared to substrate-free cuvettes with liners made of polyethylene film. It was shown that under hydroponic installation conditions, regardless of the fixation method, the height of the shoots increased by 36.0–48.3 %. The root system of the samples adapted in cassettes with substrate was better developed and was characterized by a large number of 2nd order roots with a length of at least 4 cm. The subsequent stage of adaptation in most peat-containing substrates ensures 100 % survival and the production of high-quality planting material. Recommendations for growing hop planting material after two-stage adaptation are presented.

Effect of auxin on in vitro rooting of the triploid Musa paradisiaca L. cv. Nendran (AAB)

Banana is an important fruit crops of the family Musaceae. Tissue culture multiplication of banana is now popular and preferred due to faster multiplication, uniformly and cost-effective production of healthy planting materials. The following work was take on to study the result of various concentrations of auxin (indole-3-butyric acid-IBA). Shoots derived from sucker explants after a series of multiplication (4 to 5), regenerated plants having 4.5 cm length were dissected out and rooted in different concentrations of auxin (IBA) (0.5 to 3.5 mg/L). Root production was started after 10 days of culture and the data taken after 20 days. From all the treatment tested all media concentrations produce roots at varied level with in a period of 15-20 days of culture. Media having concentrations of IBA were used to induce in vitro rooting in plantlets of Musa cv. Nendran after six sub cultures including elongation. The elongated shoots harvested from culture bottles were transferred to MS solid media supplemented with auxin IBA at varied concentrations. The root induction rate varied from one media concentration to another. The present study revealed that IBA (1.0 mg/L) was found to be most applicable hormone for root induction in sucker shoot tip explants of Musa cv. Nendran.

Development of a Suitable in vitro Regeneration Protocol for Rahangala Pear (Pyrus pyrifolia L.) in Sri Lanka

The limitation of planting material is the major drawback to expanding pear cultivation in Sri Lanka. Hence, an in vitro protocol was developed to produce planting material for the pear variety of Rahangala. Pear shoots were used as explants and surface sterilization of explants was done using 0.5% and 1% (w/v) AgNO3 for 15 min, 5% and 10% (v/v) NaOCl for 5, 10 and 15 min. In vitro shoot multiplication and root induction were found to be suitable in full and half strengths of MS medium respectively supplemented with various concentrations of BAP (1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3 mg/l), IBA (0, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4 mg/l) and NAA (0.1 mg/l). Acclimatization was conducted in pots containing different proportions of topsoil, compost, coir dust and sand. Completely Randomized Design (CRD) was used as an experimental design for this study. During sterilization of explants, the survival rate of 86.6% was recorded after 3 weeks where the treatment was done with 1% AgNO3, and 10% NaOCl for 10 min. BAP (3.0 mg/l) produced the best shoot multiplication (1.46 ± 0.2). Significantly (p<0.05), the highest mean number of roots (1.93 ± 0.98), average length (60.6 mm), and rooting percentage (68%) were observed in ½ MS medium with 4.0 mg/l IBA. After five weeks of transplantation in pots, 100% of plantlets survived in topsoil, compost, coir dust, and sand in a ratio of 1:1:1:1 Plant Tissue Cult. & Biotech. 34(1): 25-33, 2024 (June)