Effect of Medium Components on in vitro Shoot Formation and Rooting of Papaya (Carica papaya L.)

Abstract

The effect of modification of some selected MS nutrient
medium on in vitro growth and development of papaya (Carica papaya
L.) shoot tips was examined with the objective of optimizing shoot
regeneration and rooting efficiencies. Modifications were made on
selected components of MS medium. Shoot tip explants were obtained
from in vitro-grown plantlets. The results showed that MS salts at the
twice full strength was optimal for all parameters measured compared
with other strengths tested. Sucrose concentrations of 0.75% and 1.5%
were better than the other concentrations tested for growth and
development of cultured shoot tips, and there was no significant
difference between them. The results revealed the importance of inclusion
of BA and NAA in the nutrient medium at relatively low concentrations,
the best results for shoot and leaf formation was recorded with the
combination of BA at 1.0 mg /litre and NAA at 0.01mg /litre, where the
greatest number of shoots and leaves was obtained. The combination
treatment of 0.3 mg/litre BA and 0.00 mg/litre NAA recorded the best
results for mean shoot elongation, compared with the other combination
treatments tested. However, the produced roots were morphologically
abnormal. The study attested to the essentiality of IBA for rooting of in
vitro produced papaya shoots, and the data suggested the conduction of
additional studies for determination of optimal concentration for rooting