Coconut water promotes In vitro shoot multiplication rate from strawberry (Fragaria × Ananassa) nodal segments

In vitro micropropagation of strawberry cv. Chandler was carried out from nodal segments. Among different disinfectants used, treatment of segments with mercuric chloride (0.1% w/v) for 5 seconds showed 90% establishment of segments. Among different media tested, solid media containing Benzyl Amino Purine (0.2 mg/L), Indole Acetic Acid (0.2 mg/L), Kinetin (0.3 mg/L), Table sugar/Sucrose (30 g/L), Coconut water (150 ml/L), Agar (8 g/L) were found to be most effective for shoot multiplication, and root formation occurred within two weeks. The liquid medium containing BAP (0.2 mg/L), IAA (0.2 mg/L), Kin (0.3 mg/L) and Sucrose (30 g/L) was found to be at par with the above medium with respect to shoot multiplication, and root formation occurred in 10 days on this medium. Plants grown in leguminous soil showed more than 90% survival in the screen house.