A Revised Protocol for in Vitro Propagation of Carica papaya Using Lateral Buds from Field-Grown Trees

Abstract

A revised protocol has been developed for in vitro propogation of papaya using explants from field-grown trees. Successful establishment of papaya in vitro using lateral buds could be obtained by treating the buds with Carbendazim (0.2%) and Streptomycin (0.1%) for 24h, followed by surface sterilization with mercuric chloride (0.1%) for 3 minutes and culturing on MS medium supplemented with BAP (0.3 mg/l) and NAA (0.1 mg/l). Established buds were proliferated on modified MS medium supplemented with BAP (0.3 mg/l) and NAA (0.1 mg/l). Modified MS medium supplemented with BAP (0.3 mg/l), NAA (0.1 mg/l) and GA₃ (1 mg/l) caused extensive elongation of shoots. Elongated shootlets were rooted on half-strength MS medium supplemented with BAP (0.1mg/l), NAA (0.1 mg/l) and IBA (2 mg/l). Rooted plantlets were initially hardened on a potting mixture consisting of soilrite and later on a mixture of sand, soil and FYM (1:1:1).