In vitro organogenesis from internode derived callus cultures of Capsicum annuum L.

An efficient protocol of shoot organogenesis and plant regeneration from internode derived callus has been developed for Capsicum annuum. Optimal callus was developed from internodal segments on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 10 mu M 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2,4-D) and 2.0 mu M 6-benzyladenine (BA). Shoot differentiation was achieved from the surface of callus when transferred on shoot induction medium containing BA and thidiazuron (TDZ) alone or in combination. The highest number of de.novo adventitious shoots (25.4 +/- 1.42) and shoot length (4.6 +/- 0.37 cm) was recorded on MS medium supplemented with 5.0 mu M BA and 2.5 mu M TDZ. The individual elongated shoots were rooted well on MS medium supplemented with 1.0 mu M Indole-3-butyric acid (IBA). The in vitro raised plantlets with properly developed shoot and roots were acclimatized successfully and grew well in the greenhouse. All the regenerated plants appeared normal with respect to morphology and growth characteristics with 85% survival rate.