Micropropagation of Sweet Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) on Solid and Liquid Media

Experiments for determining the optimized conditions for the micropropagation of four Bulgarian pepper cultivars are realized. The combination of 1/2 MS0 culture medium with Ascorbic acid, Vitamin B-12 and a low concentration of Huminic acid (5 ml/L) stimulated growth and development of pepper micropropagated plants in vitro. Coefficient of propagation in soot-tip explants was from 2,0 to 3,0 for a period of 60 days on solid medium although differences in the response of the investigated cultivars were established. This coefficient of mass propagation was comparatively higher - from 4,0 to 5,3 - in the conditions of RITA (R) temporary immersion system of air-lift bioreactors in liquid medium containing the same supplements because of better development in the height of explants, additional lateral bud growth and better root formation. This probably is due to the close contact of the tissue with the medium which stimulated and facilitated the uptake of nutrients. In result of the optimized conditions in the air-lift bioreactors microplants were very vigorous and well developed with broad leaves, stronger roots and stems.