In vitro clonal propagation of two promising gladiolus (Gladiolus grandiflourus L.) varieties

Abstract

Studies were conducted to evolve protocol for the in vitro clonal propagation of Gladiolus grandiflorus L. varieties during 2000-2001 in the Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Agriculture, Vellayani. Two varieties Peach Blossom and Tropic Seas were selected for the study. Cormels were used as explant. The effects of culture medium (basal medium, strength of MS basal medium, mode of culture, plant growth substances, carbon sources, activated charcoal, solidifying agent, amino acids and coconut water) and culture conditions on in vitro shoot proliferation via enhanced release of axillary buds were studied. MS medium supplemented with kinetin 2.00 mg I-I and NAA 0.10 mg I-I induced earliest bud initiation in both the cultivars, in the initial culture establishment medium. Highest shoot proliferation In both the varieties was obtained In full strength solid MS medium supplemented with BA 4.00 mg r', NAA 0.50 mg r' and sucrose 40.00 g r ' under light. In vitro rooting in cultivar Peach Blossom was best obtained In MS medium supplemented with IBA 2.00 mg r ' and sucrose 30.00 g r '. In the cultivar Tropic Seas, in vitro rooting was best in MS medium supplemented with IAA 2.00 mg r ' and sucrose 40.00 g r '.

The different levels of agar tried had no significant effect on multiple shoot proliferation. Similarly activated charcoal, coconut water and amino acids (glycine and arginine) had no beneficial effect on multiple shoot proliferation. Ex vitro rooting studies were not successful. Planting out of in vitro rooted plantlets in sand soil (2 1) media recorded a survival rate of 100.00 per cent, after 15 days.