Establishment of in vitro regeneration protocol of Gerbera jamesonii from different explants

Abstract

Gerbera jamesonii is one of the most popular ornamental plant in the world. During this study three attempts were taken in three different phases. These phases were establishment of a reliable sterilization protocol, selection of suitable explants, and selection of suitable media along with hormonal composition for in vitro shoot regeneration protocol. To maintain the sterility of explants, all explants were washed with tap water for 15 minutes with 0.2% HgCl2 and 70% ethanol for 20 and in the wet season best result was obtained by washing the explants in tap water for 30 minutes followed by 30 seconds washing with 0.1% HgCl2, 70% ethanol and 20% fungicide respectively. In this study two varieties of Gerbera having red and yellow petal were used. Leaf with mid rid, flower bud and flower stalks were used as explants in this experiment. Regarding the position and age of the explants, 3rd position leaf of the plant showed the best responses and 6-7 days old flower bud and flower stalks gave better responses in the in vitro regeneration. All these three types of explants were cultured in the MS medium with different hormonal composition and concentration. Among all the composition 5 mg/l BAP with 1mg/l NAA gave the best response by forming multiple shoots from all explants. Shoot proliferation was started within 6-7 weeks after inoculation of explants in the suitable medium. The best mean no. of shoot was found from the leaf with mid rib and the no. was 7.75 per explant. In future, attempts can be made to find out the suitable rooting medium for both Gerbera varieties to complete regeneration protocol.