The influence of light quality on the shoot proliferation and rooting of Gerbera jamesonii in vitro

The effect of white, blue, green, red and UV + white light on the growth and development of shoots and roots of Gerbera jamesonii cv. Queen Rebecca in relation to the presence of kinetin or IAA were investigated. The highest number of axillary shoots was obtained in red and green light on the medium with 5 mg l -1 kinetin. Also, green and red light markedly increased the number of leaves developed on the plantlets on the medium supplemented with kinetin. Light quality and IAA added to culture medium variously affected the development of root system: roots were regenerated under all light treatments, higher root number was recorded under red light when 5 mg l -1 IAA was added to the media, the shortest roots were found in red light on the medium supplemented with IAA. The greatest fresh weight of shoots was found under white light on the medium with kinetin. Red light markedly decreased shoot fresh weight on hormone-free medium. Blue and white light caused increase in fresh weight of roots.