Effect of Different Concentrations of Auxin as Well as Cytokinin on Shoot Initiation, Formation and Multiplication of Pepino (Solanum muricatum Ait.) cv. Valentia with MS Semi-solid Medium

The pepino (Solanum muricatum Aiton) is conventionally propagated through vegetative means. But, this approach of propagation is not feasible for commercial production of plants and has at more time the chances of reduction yield. Therefore, the availability of quality planting material is of urgent need. Recently, there has been a promising approach for pepino multiplication at large scales through tissue culture because it generates a large number of contamination free plantlets in a minimum space and time. The combination of different growth regulators may be tried to maximize the initiation, growth and development of shoot in commercial propagation of pepino plants. The Minimum days taken for shoot initiation (5.21 days) was noted under BAP 3.00 mgl-1 + IBA 0.50 ppm, and minimum days taken for shoot development (40.82 days) was noted under of BAP 3.00 ppm + IBA 1.00 ppm. The highest length of shoot (9.52 cm) was produced in media supplemented with BAP 3.00 ppm + IBA 1.00 ppm. Maximum percent of developed shoots obtained from the established culture (67.79) was noted under the treatment of BAP 3.00 ppm + IBA 1.00 ppm; While maximum shoots per explants/ innoculums from the established culture (4.06) was noted under the treatment of BAP 3.00 ppm + IBA 1.00 ppm. Maximum number of leaves / plantlet from the established culture (10.85) was noted under the treatment of BAP 3.00 ppm + IBA 1.00 ppm and maximum fresh weight (mg) of shoot / plantlet obtained from the established culture (26.05 mg) was noted under the treatment of BAP 3.00 ppm + IBA 1.00 ppm.