IN VITRO CLONAL MULTIPLICATION AND ACCLIMATIZATION OF DIFFERENT VARIETIES OF TURMERIC (CURCUMA LONGA L.)

A rapid propagation and acclimatization method of three different varieties of turmeric (Faisalabad, Kasur and Bannun) was optimized in this study. Sprouted rhizome buds of these varieties were collected and surface sterilized. The excised rhizome bud explants (1.0 cm) were cultured on MS medium supplemented with different concentrations and combinations of cytokinin and auxins. The frequency of shoot induction was 70, 60 and 75 in Faisalabad, Kasur and Bannun varieties respectively. The number of shoots per explant increased with increased BAP concentration while shoot length decreased. These regenerated shoots were further multiplied by sub culturing on fresh medium after 30 days. The regenerated plants of all varieties were transferred to different mixtures of compost for acclimatization. Best hardening response was obtained in Sand + Soil + Peat (1:1:1) after three week of transplantation in glass house. These hardened plants were subsequently shifted into field.