In vitro propagation of Heliconia psittacorum through axillary bud

A three-fold increase in length and more than double in breadth of axillary buds of Heliconia psittacorum L. was successfully established in the MS medium with 5.0–6.0 mg/1 BAP, 0.05–0.1 mg/1 1AA and 1.50–2.00 mg/1 GA₃. The supplementation of 2.5 mg/1 BAP, 0.2 mg/1 IAA and 2.5 mg/1 GA₃ was ideal for initiation of multiple shoots and their multiplication rates. Medium supplemented with 0.75 mg/1 IAA, 0.05 mg/1 NAA gave the maximum rooting response (85%), earliest root initiation (within 21 days) and maximum number of primary (3.70) and secondary (3.90) roots.