Commercial multiplication of gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii Bolus) through in vitro shoot tip culture

Efficient shoot multiplication was standardised using in vitro shoot explants of commercial varieties of gerbera using MS medium with different levels of IAA (0.1 and 0.2 mg/1), BAP (1 and 2 mg/1) and kinetirt (1,5 and 10 mg/1). Shoot multiplication was early on half strength MS medium while full strength MS medium produced higher number of shoots with better shoot length and shoot weight. GJ-1 performed best in the treatment combination of full strength MS medium supplemented with 0.2 mg/1 1AA and 1 mg/1 BAP or 5 mg/1 kinetin. GJ-2 performed best in treatment combinatrion of 0.1 mg/1 1AA and 1 mg/1 BAP or 5 mg/1 kinetin. Whereas the dwarf variety GJ-3 performed better in 0.2 mg/1 IAA and 1 mg/1 BAP or 5 mg/I kinetin. Effect of growth regulators was different in all three varieties, since varieties did not perform uniformly in one common nutrient medium combination.