Action of paclobutrazol in acclimatizing micropropagated citrus plantlets
Abstract
A protocol for in vitro acclimatization of citrus plantlets is described which ensures up to 97% ex vitro survival of plants following their transfer to polythene bag in the green house. In vitro grown microshoots were aseptically cultured in MS and B5 media supplemented with paclobutrazol (0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1.0, 2.0, 3.0 and 4.0 mg/l). Paclobutrazol in the rooting medium reduced plant growth but led to reduction in wilting when plantlets were transferred to green house. Leaf number and leaf weight increased in lower concentration of paclobutrazol than its higher concentration. Addition of paclobutrazol in the growth medium increased survival of plantlets on transfer to green house.
