In vitro propagation of shoot buds of Carica papaya L. (caricaceae) var. Honey Dew

Abstract

Shoot buds from the saplings and the fruit bearing plants of Carica papaya L.. var. Honey Dew (papaya) initially treated with Gentamycin were cultured in modified MS media, each with a different hormonal combination, for the establishment of cultures and multiplication and rooting of plants. About 43% of explants from fruit bearing plants and 69% of those from saplings remained free of contamination and retained regeneration capacity when treated in 500 mg/l Gentamycin. For the establishment of the explants a medium containing 1 mg/l GA₃ and 2 mg/l kinetin was necessary. When established buds were transferred to medium containing 1 mg/l NAA and 3 mg/l kinetin, calli were initiated at cut ends of shoot buds; multiplication started on transfer to NAA (0.1 mg/l) and BAP (0.5 mg/l) medium. Cultures have been maintained for the last twenty months without any loss in multiplication rate. Rooting was induced in medium with reduced salt concentration containing 2 mg/l IBA. Shoot elongation was induced after prolonged culture in the same rooting medium.