Micropropagation studies on pomegranate var. Bhagwa

In ‘Bhagawa’ pomegranate, micropropagation study was undertaken using different explants from fruiting mother plants. Shoot tip was found the best explant for culture establishment and microbial contamination (14.28%). Surface sterilization with 0.1% mercuric chloride for 10 min. showed the maximum survival (90.58%) and minimum microbial contamination (9.52%). Maximum number of shoots per explant (1.73) was recorded in treatment MS + BAP 2.0 mg/l, while maximum shoot length and number of leaves were observed on medium containing MS + BAP 2.5 mg/l. Half-strength MS medium along with NAA 8 mg/l gave the best rooting with maximum number of roots per shoot (4.00) and root length (3.72 cm). Hardening of rooted plantlets was ideal with maximum survival of plantlets (71.72%) on medium containing soil + sand (1:1; v/v).