Effect of cytokinins and amino acids on multiplication of Pelargonium cultivars

Abstract

The effect of two cytokinins (BAP, m-Topolin) tested singly or in combination with a mixture of amino acids (glycine, glutamine, cysteine) on multiplication rate and quality of Pelargonium x hederaefolium and Pelargonium x hortorum shoots were investigated. For both Pelargonium cultivars, the application of cytokinins greatly increased the production of axillary and adventitious shoots compared with the shoots produced on the medium without growth regulators. In the case of P. x hederaefolium no significant differences it were found in the number of shoot formed for BAP and m-Topolin treatments. For P. x hortorum the most effective multiplication of shoots was obtained on the medium supplemented with m-Topolin (1.0 mg l^-1). Moreover, in the presence of m-Topolin an improvement of shoot quality of both genotypes has been observed (well developed shoots with soft green leaves). It was particularly apparent for P. x hortorum shoots. The addition of amino acids to a cytokinin medium increased slightly the number of formed shoots of P. x hederaefolium and influenced the shoot quality of both Pelargonium cultivars (well developed leaf blades, uniform growth of shoots in clumps, slower process of shoot senescence).