Effect of growth regulators on regeneration from leaf derived callus and shoot proliferation in gerbera

An efficient protocol for rapid regeneration of gerbera cv. Cabana through callus was developed by manipulating growth regulators in the culture medium. Leaves were used as the explant source for callus induction. The effect of different combinations of BAP (3, 5, 7 and 10 mg/l), kinetin (1, 3, 5 and 10 mg/l) and NAA (0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 mg/l) on callus induction was studied. The best callus induction was achieved on MS medium supplemented with 10 mg/l BAP and 2.0 mg/l NAA. Nodular green calli with vigorous growth were obtained when NAA was used at 2 mg/l and combined with BAP (5, 7 and 10 mg/l). The rate of shoot bud regeneration was positively correlated with concentration of BAP and MS medium containing 3 mg/l BAP + 0.5 mg/l NAA was found optimum for regeneration of quality shoots from leaf derived calli. Nodular and green calli showed high regeneration potential than the friable, granular and compact calli. At higher concentrations of BAP, vitrification of shoots was observed. MS medium fortified with 1 mg/l BAP and 0.1 mg/l IAA was found optimum for proliferation of quality shoots. The micro-shoots were successfully rooted on half strength MS medium supplemented with 1 mg/l IBA and showed about 90% survival on transfer to glasshouse.