Young capitulum as important explant in in vitro mass propagation of gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii)

A new route of in vitro propagation of gerbera selected clones was successfully established using young capitula in tight buds and buds that were started to unfold stage as explant source. The one-fourth pieces of young capitula of tight flower stage and half-strength MS medium containing 0.25 mg/l BAP was the suitable for initiation and produced higher number of shoots per explant up to 3.8 shoots. The results were improved by culturing the one-fourth piece of 01.092 capitulums on MS medium fortified by 0.2 mg/l BAP and 0.02 mg/l NAA producing the highest shoot formation up to 8.5 shoots per explant with 28.7 leaves per explant and 2.1 cm leaf length. High multiple shoots were determined in third to fourth subculture periods and reduced thereafter with high multiplication rate noted on 01.092 clone. Shoots were easily rooted on half-strength MS medium supplemented with 2 g/l activated charcoal. Plantlets were transferred to ex vitro condition with 96.4% survivability of 03.045 clone using Cycas rumphii bulk and cocopeat (1:1, v/v) under spraying 1 g/l Growmore (32N:10P:10K) solution once week periodically. The route has high potential applied in qualified plantlet production for other Gerbera’s due to high shoots produced up to 35 shoots per whole young capitulum used.