IN VITRO STUDIES OF CAPSICUM FRUTESCENS L.

Abstract

Capsicum frutescens L. is a species of chilli pepper distributed wide and used as spice and as medicine. In the present study, in vitro seed germination and cultures were carried out. Ripened fruits were harvested and air dried and finally dried in sunlight. The seeds were separated, soaked in water for 2 hours. Then treated with tween 20 and finally surface sterilized using 0.1% HgCl2 and 5% sodium hypochlorite, and inoculated on to basal agar medium. Geminated seedlings transferred to culture medium for further growth. From the seedlings roots, stem and leaves were excised separately and used as explants. These explants were directly inoculated on to MS medium containing 2, 4-D, NAA and BAP individually and in combination for callus induction and proliferation. In the present study both 2,4 D and NAA+ BAP containing medium showed induction of callus, but proliferation was more when they subjected to grow in 2, 4-D containing medium. Calluses are of friable type. Similarly organogenesis also found in MS medium supplemented with NAA+ BAP (0.5mg+2mg/L as well as 2mg/L BAP. Rooting occurred in medium with NAA and BAP.