Refinement of technology for micropropagation of carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus L. CV. ‘Master’)

Abstract

The present investigation was conducted on “Refinement of technology for Micropropagation of carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus L. cv. ‘Master’)”. Surface sterilized nodal segments were established on solid MS medium containing 2.0 mg/ BA. Multiplication of established buds was carried out on both control and low cost medium (50 g/l starch+ 30 g/l table sugar and Aquaguard water) supplemented with 2.0 mg/l Kinetin. In vitro rooting was carried out on solid half strength MS medium supplemented with 0.04% activated charcoal as well as on low cost medium consisting of half strength MS + 50 g/l starch, 15 g/l table sugar and 0.04% activated charcoal. However, multiplication rate and rooting percentage of in vitro shoots was lower on low cost medium containing table sugar and starch than control medium containing sucrose and agar-agar but when the cost per plant was calculated it was reduced by 50% on low cost medium in comparison to control medium. Thus, by substituting the components of standard tissue culture medium with low cost components we can reduce the cost per plant for commercial production of the carnation.