Physalis angulata L. propagation in vitro ¹

ABSTRACT

Physalis angulata L. is a plant with great fruit production potential, mainly in family farms, due to its versatility and valuable products such as jellies and juice concentrates. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the effect of two cytokines - i.e., plant growth regulators 6- benzylaminopurine (BAP) and kinetin (KIN) -, in association, or not, with auxin (2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid - 2.4-D), on P. angulata multiplication in vitro. The experiment followed a completely randomized design, with eighteen treatments and five repetitions, based on factorial arrangement 2 x 5 x 2. Cytokinin sources were used at concentrations: 0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5 and 10 mg L^-1; in the presence (0.05 mg L^-1) or absence of 2.4-D. Explants comprised nodal segments (approximately 1 cm) deriving from Physalis seed germination in vitro. Results indicate that the growth regulator KIN, at 5 mg L^-1 concentration and in the absence of auxin 2.4-D, has potential to enable longer shoot length and larger number of internodes. However, the culture medium (MS) without plant growth regulators recorded higher biomass (fresh and dry weight) and increased root rate.

Keywords:
Physalis; auxins; in-vitro culture