TISSUE-CULTURE STUDIES ON SPECIES OF PASSIFLORA

The effect of different explant sources, growth regulators and coconut water concentrations and also light radiation on tissue cultures of Passiflora edulis var. flavicarpa was evaluated. In addition, plant regeneration was obtained from a diversity of Passiflora germplasm. For shoot morphogenesis either cotyledonary, hypocotyledonary or leaf tissues were used to obtain cultures that formed shoots when placed on Murashige & Skoog basal medium containing 6-benzylaminopurine and coconut water. Direct organogenesis was observed. Apex cultures have been also achieved from P. edulis var. flavicarpa, P. mollissima, P. giberti, P. maliformis and P. amethystina. Excised explants 5 mm length were placed on half-strength basal medium, free of hormones. Whole plants were recovered.