STM Article Repository

A rapid and reproducible regeneration protocol has been established in Bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L. cv. Early California wonder) via in vitro shoot multiplication. Multiple shoots were induced from shoot tip explants cultured on MS medium fortifi ed with 1 mg/l Kin and 7 mg/l BA. Addition of 20% coconut milk enhanced the vigour of shoot growth. An optimum of 8.5 shoots was obtained per shoot tip explants after 45 days of culture. Three repeated subcultures up to 120 days produced a maximum of 22 shoots per explants. Rooting was achieved from the shoots of 2-3 cm long placed on MS basal medium augmented with 2% sucrose. The in vitro regenerated plantlets were hardened in vermiculite and subsequently planted in the soil and 90% survival rate was observed.