In vitro micropropagation of disease free rose (Rosa indica L.)

The rose is the most popular ornamental plant in the world, as well as the most important cut flower. Throughout history no other plant has such wide appeal and been the center of so much attention than the Rose. The aim of present investigation was to determine appropriate basal medium and growth regulators for in vitro propagation of Rosa indica from nodal meristem explants. Nodal meristem was cultured on MS medium supplemented with different concentrations of BAP ranging from 0.5 – 2.5 mg/l either alone and in combination with 0.5 mg/l of kinetin for shoot formation and multiplication. Medium containing 1.5 mg/l BAP proved to be best medium for in vitro shoot formation. At this concentration, 100 % rate of shoot formation was obtained in 7.4 days of inoculation from nodal meristem. . Maximum 18 shoots per culture were formed on medium having 1.0 mg/l of BAP. This medium was proved to be best for in vitro shoot multiplication and proliferation of roses.