Direct regeneration of multiple shoots fromnodal explants of West Indian Gherkin(Cucumis anguria L.)

The present study was undertaken with a view to develop an efficient protocol for in vitro multiple shoot formation and subsequent root induction considering various cultural aspects using nodal explants of Cucumis anguria L. derived from 20 day - old in vitro seedlings. High frequency of multiple shoot regeneration was achieved on MS medium containing BAP (1mg/l), NAA (0.2mg/l) and L - glutamine (20mg/l). The elongation of shoots was obtained on the MS medium fortified with GA3 (0.5mg/l). Elongated shoots were rooted in MS medium supplemented with IBA (0.6mg/l). Rooted plants were hardened and acclimatized. Seventy percent plantlets survived and grew successfully. This protocol yielded an average of 6.2 shoots per explant in culture duration of 120 - 140 days.