Establishment of root cultures in Pelargonium Radula

Root cultures were initiated from stem, petiole and leaf explants of Pelargonium radula. Stem segments, the explants most amenable to adventitious root induction, developed well when cultured on half strength solid MS (Murashige & Skoog) medium containing 15 g/L sucrose. To enhance the induction and proliferation of adventitious roots, indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) or α-napthalenacetic acid (NAA) were added to the culture medium. Supplementation with 0.5 mg/L NAA gave the highest incidence of root initiation (97.7%) and the highest number of roots (8.1 roots/explant). Root cultures were subsequently established in continuously agitated liquid medium. Up to 17 g/flask fresh weight of roots were obtained in full strength liquid MS medium containing 0.5 mg/L NAA, with the cultures maintained in either light or darkness.