Micropropagation of Venus fly trap by shoot culture

In order to establish and optimize an in vitro micropropagation protocol of Venus fly trap ( Dionaea muscipula Ellis), a carnivorous plant, the effects of medium type, MS medium concentration, pH, and cytokinin and auxin types on shoot proliferation and root formation were investigated using 3-month-old shoots. The shoot proliferation was most effective in 2.3 muM kinetin-supplemented 1/3MS medium at pH 5.5. The best conditions for rooting were 1/3MS medium supplemented with 0.5 muM IBA. All subcultured shoots produced extensive root systems after 5-6 weeks culture. When plantlets after rooting were planted in plastic pots filled with 1: 1 peat moss and sand, the survival rate of plantlets was almost 100%, exhibiting normal development. With subculture every 8 weeks, hundreds of the plants were propagated from a single plant within a year.