Shoot Proliferation of In vitro Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) Affected by Different Concentrations of Benzylaminopurine (BAP)

4 Abstract: Turmeric is an important medicinal plant that is highly valued for its underground rhizome. In vitro shoot proliferation rate of turmeric on MS media supplemented with different concentrations of benzylaminopurine (BAP) was studied. BAP concentrations of 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 mg/L were respectively used to subculture 8 weeks old established turmeric plantlets. The percentage survival, number of new shoots, number of new leaves and vigour were the parameters used to evaluate performance of turmeric plantlets after 8 weeks of growth. Results obtained were analyzed at p 0.05 using ANOVA. There was no statistically significant difference between the performances of the plantlets in the various concentrations. The results are discussed.