In vitro propagation of gerbera and assessment of clonal fidelity of the mericlones

Abstract

Rapid in vitro shoot multiplication on Marashige and Skoog basal medium supplemented with 0.7 mg l-1 thidiazuron was induced in Gerbera jamesonii var. Pink Star. Healthy shoots were developed in large number bearing deep green leaves. Maximum shoot elongation was discernible on the same medium in comparison to other treatments. Cent percent rooting of the shootlets was observed on MS supplemented with 0.5 mg l-1 NAA. Addition of 10 μM AgNO3 in combination with 0.5 mg l-1 NAA and IBA, respectively, showed development of fewer roots but displayed excellent plant health. RAPD analysis involving decamer primers confirm true to-type-nature of the micropropagated plantlets at genomic level. Profuse microtillering and subsequent whole plant development as gleaned from this study offers ample scope to develop large number of clones from a stock of choice for in vitro conservation, characterization and screening for diverse characters.