MICROPROPAGATION OF Capsicum chinense Jacq. cv. LOTA BHOT VIA INDIRECT ORGANOGENESIS

Abstract

Capsicum chinense Jacq. is well known for its pungency factor, "capsaicin". An attempt has been made to maintain the desired pungency of Capsicum chinense Jacq. cv. Lota Bhot through in vitro propagation via callusogenesis from leaf explants under the influence of different plant growth hormones and an additional component, Silver nitrate (AgNO3). The combination of Kinetin (45µML -1 ) along with 2,4-Dichlorophenoxy Acetic Acid (2,4-D) and AgNO3 at 3.5µML -1 and 35µML -1 respectively was found optimum for callus induction as well as multiple shoot induction whereas maximum shoot length was recorded at Kin (40µML -1 ), 2,4-D (3.0 µML -1 ) and AgNO3 (30µML -1 ). In vitro flower induction and fruit development was most observed under the influence of Gibberellic Acid (GA3) at 30µML -1 . Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium fortified with Benzyl Amino Purine (BAP) 1 and 2,4-D at 4.0µML -1 and 5.5 µML -1 correspondingly was standardized for maximum induction of roots in vitro. Healthy in vitro regenerated plantlets were acclimatized in the potting substrate containing half strength MS medium enriched with soil, sand, vermicompost and vermiculite in all equal proportion and 78.56% of total acclimatized plants were successfully transferred to the main field.