Factors affecting in vitro degree of browning and culture establishment of pomegranate

Abstract

The present study was conducted to identify the most suitable types of nodal explants and browning control treatment for in vitro regeneration of pomegranate. Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium containing 1.0 mg/L BAP + 0.5 mg/L NAA was used commonly for all the treatments tested. Result revealed that the intensity of browning was increased with increased position and the length of explants. Minimum browning intensity was observed in 1st nodal explants having 1.5 cm length. However, explants of 3rd node with 2.5 cm length registered higher establishment (68.5%) and growth of explants. Furthermore, the most effective browning control was observed in subculturing of nodal explants twice, at the first day and third day of inoculation, which also found better in establishment of explants followed by activated charcoal 200 mg/L into the medium. Maximum length of shoots (3.9 cm) was recorded in 1st position of node with 2.5 cm length of explants. Key words: Nodal segments, position, antioxidants, browning, establishment.