Optimization of growth regulators to induce callus in chili [Capsicum annuum] cv. Berangkai

Abstract

The imbalance between demand and yield production causes the price of chili to rise sharply in the market at a particular time. One of the factors driving chili productivity to decrease is the attack of Geminivirus. Geminivirus that attacks chili plant is Pepper Yellow Leaf Curl Virus [PepYLCV]. and causing failure in chili production. Therefore, it is necessary to develop chili varieties that are resistant to PepYLCD by applying a combination strategy of genetic engineering and a tissue culture approach. However, the morphogenetic ability of chilies to regenerate into complete plants is low in developing this strategy. Optimizing growth regulators in the media of callus induction can increase the morphogenetic response of chilies. This research aimed to obtain the optimal composition of callus induction media. The results showed that the use of the media composition of 2.5 mg/L NAA + 2.5 mg/L IAA and 3.5 mg/L 2.4 D + 0.25 mg/L TDZ could initiate callus formation on the eighth day after induction. Both media compositions have a callus growth percentage of about 100%, which has a friable and yellowish-white callus morphology.