In Vitro Propagation of Pumpkin and Ash Gourd through Nodal Segments

Abstract

The present study was undertaken with a view to develop an efficient protocol for in vitro multiple shoot formation and subsequent root induction considering various cultural aspects using nodal segments of Cucurbita maxima and Benincasa hispida. The best hormone for shoot multiplication of pumpkin was BAP (2 mg/l), incase of ash-gourd BAP was 1.5 mg/l. For callus induction BAP+2,4-D was best combination for pumpkin and it was 2.0+0.1 mg/l when in ash gourd BAP+NAA was the best combination. IBA + ½MS medium were used for induction of shoot bud root. In both of pumpkin and ash gourd 1.5 mg/l IBA was found best for induction of roots. Key words: In vitro, MS medium, nodal segments, multiplication, rooting, pumpkin and ash gourd.   DOI:10.3329/jbs.v16i0.3743 J. bio-sci. 16: 67-71, 2008