In vitro Propagation of Pointed Gourd (Trichosanthes dioica Roxb.) from Shoot Tips

In vitro propagation of Trichosanthes dioica Roxb. locally known as patal has been studied. Shoot tips were cultured aseptically on MS media supplemented with different concentrations of cytokinins (BA and 2-ip) and their combinations with NAA, GA sub(3) and CW. The effectiveness of BA was proved to be superior to that of 2-ip alone with respect to shoot proliferation. Combinations of 2-ip with CW and GA sub(3) showed better response than 2-ip alone. The frequency of multiple shoot formation was 100% for shoot tips in MS medium containing BA 1.0 mg L super(1) and BA 1.0 mg L super(1) + NAA 0.2 mg L super(1). A best result with BA was found when explants were cultured on MS medium supplemented with 1.0 mg L super(1) BA where the average length was 15.90 plus or minus 0.90 mm. In combinations the highest length was 18.25 plus or minus 0.42 mm at 1.0 mg L super(1) 2-ip +0.5 mg L super(1) GA sub(3) and the highest number of shoots was 3.25 plus or minus 0.22 at 1.0 mg L super(1) 2-ip+ 10% CW. Efficient rooting was achieved on MS+IBA 0.5 mg L super(1) In vitro raised plantlets were then transferred to potted soil.