Multiplication of apical and axillary shoots of coffee arabica using various types of cytokinins

Abstract

In-vitro shoot multiplication presents a promising avenue for replicating the genetic characteristics of parent plants, commonly utilized in various plant biotechnological techniques such as mutation replication, protoplast fusion, anther culture, and genetic engineering. The primary aim of this research was to assess the impact of different cytokinins on the proliferation of apical and axillary shoots in Arabica coffee multiplication. A Completely Randomized Factorial Design was employed, considering two factors: explant source and cytokinin type. Explants were sourced from both apical and axillary branches of AS2K Arabica coffee plantlets. Three cytokinins, namely 6-Benzyl adenine purine (BAP), isopentenyl adenine (2-IP), and kinetin, were incorporated into the Murashige and Skoog (MS) 1962 basal medium at concentrations of 0, 1, 2, and 3 mg/l. The findings revealed significant effects of all three cytokinins on shoot number, plantlet height, and leaf growth, albeit without influencing root development. Notably, axillary shoot-derived explants demonstrated a more pronounced effect on shoot count compared to those from apical shoots. Among the cytokinin treatments assessed, BAP at a concentration of 2 mg/l in the MS medium yielded optimal results for propagating the AS2K variety of Arabica coffee, thus representing the recommended medium for this purpose.