Micropropagation studies on guava

Micropropagation of guava cv. Allahabad Safeda was achieved on nodal explant from field grown mature trees. The nodal explants excised during April-June period were found better for culture initiation. Multiple surface sterilizing agents (H₂O₂, AgNO₃ and HgCl₂) were used for getting pure cultures. The problem of phenolic browning was minimized to a great extent by agitation of explants in PVPP (0.5%) and sucrose (2%) for 40 min. followed by quick dip in antioxidant solution (citric acid and ascorbic acid) prior to inoculation. The explant bud sprouting was not significantly influenced by various basal media supplemented with 1 mg l⁻¹ BAP. The shoot multiplication was better on WPM with 1 mg l⁻¹ BAP and incorporation of IBA could not increase the shoot proliferation rate. The best rooting response was obtained on WPM supplemented with 0.2 mg l⁻¹ each of IBA & NAA and 200 mg l⁻¹ activated charcoal. The regenerated plantlets were established on peat and soilrite based rooting mixture for hardening in the glass house. Finally 50% of the plantlets survived on field transfer.