Rapid in vitro multiplication of early maturing peaches and their in vivo acclimatization

Embryo from different crosses of peach, namely, SP x FS, FS x SP and PP1 x SP were cultured on germination media (without growth regulator) at three ages from the date of pollination (7 weeks, 8 week and 9 weeks). Germinated embryos with different sized primary root length (2, 3 and 4 cm) were tipped or remained as such and cultured in shooting media containing different cytokinin doses (0, 2, 5 and 10 mg l⁻¹). Thereafter, shooted plantlets were transferred to liquid or solid rooting media with different IBA concentration (0, 04, 10 and 10 mg l⁻¹). Finally, plantlets were transferred to ex vitro media composition filled in different types of containers (thermacol and earthen tea cups). Nine-week-old embryos taken least days for germination, while germinability was maximum for embryos of eight weeks. Healthy shoot growth was recorded in shooting medium containing 2 mg of cytokinin. Roots were found more in number and length with liquid media out of IBA. Tipping of primary root of size 2 cm increased the number of secondary roots and their length. Among the crosses PP₁ x SP₁ gave better response than other crosses. Ex vitro survival of plantlets is 100 percent in earthen containers filled with media composition (vermicompost + sand + vermiculite + cocopeat) in ratio 1:1:1:1 (v/v).