In vitro clonal propagation of carnation(Dianthus caryophyllus L.)

A study was conducted to standardize the method of in vitro propagation of carnation. As regards suitability of explants, shoot tip and nodes were the best for culture establishment, by producing more number of adventitious shoots in a shorter period of time. ‘In vitro proliferated shoots were subcultured on MS medium with BAP and kinetin at different concentrations. The highest number of multiple shoots and fresh weight were observed on 20 uM BAP/1. But the shoots showed vitrification. The shoots proliferated on kinetin containing media were healthy and normal. But on medium without cytokinins, single shoots of maximum length were produced. Also when BAP and kinetin were combined with NAA at different concentrations higher number of multiple shoots were observed. NAA at higher concentration showed vitrification and also reduced the length of the shoots. Rooting of microshoot was induced on half strength MS medium with different levels of auxins and rooting was observed even in auxin free medium. Maximum number of roots with better shoot and root characters were observed on medium with 5 uM NAA/1. NAA at higher concentration proved to be detrimental to root growth by suppressing its growth. Soilrite (TC) medium gave the highest survival percentage at 15 and 30 days after transfer to hardening media and plantlets so hardened were also more vigorous.