title: Optimization of factors influencing in vitro flowering of gherkin (Cucumis anguria L.).
abstract: This study investigated the factors influencing in vitro flowering of gherkin (Cucumis anguria L.). Multiple shoots were efficiently regenerated from cotyledonary node and axillary bud explants of C. anguria within 15 days on MSB5 medium containing 3% sucrose and supplemented with 1.5 mg l-1 6-benzyladinine (BA). The elongated shoots were excised and transferred to MSB5 medium containing 4% sucrose supplemented with 0.5 mg l(-1) gibberellic acid (GA(3)) and 1.0 mg l(-1) indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) induced maximum number of flowers (9.5 flowers/plant) and root induction (16.5 roots/plant). Factors that influence the in vitro flowering were optimizing pH, photoperiod and temperature. In vitro flowering was significantly early and higher number of flowers produced at pH (5.8), photoperiod (12/12 h) and room temperature (28 °C). In vitro developed flowers were less viable (80 ± 1.0%) compared to control plants (90 ± 2.0%). Our in vitro flower induction procedures provide an extremely effective method for further research on flowering regulation mechanisms in C. anguria. These plantlets were successfully transferred to the soil where they grew well for 3 to 5 weeks with 90% survivability. Plants grew normally and produced flowers with viable pollen and fertile seeds.
authors.affiliation: Konkuk University Department of Applied Bioscience, College of Life and Environmental Sciences Seoul 143 701 South Korea.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Thiruvengadam
authors.affiliation: Konkuk University Department of Applied Bioscience, College of Life and Environmental Sciences Seoul 143 701 South Korea.
authors.forename: I M
authors.initials: IM
authors.lastname: Chung
mesh_terms: D028462:Cucumis / Q000187:drug effects*; D046508:Culture Techniques; D035264:Flowers / Q000254:growth & development*; D005875:Gibberellins / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D007211:Indoles / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D017440:Photoperiod; D010937:Plant Growth Regulators; D018517:Plant Roots / Q000187:drug effects; D018520:Plant Shoots / Q000254:growth & development; D011058:Pollen / Q000187:drug effects; D012038:Regeneration / Q000187:drug effects; D013395:Sucrose / Q000008:administration & dosage; D013696:Temperature
chemical_list: D005875:Gibberellins; D007211:Indoles; D010937:Plant Growth Regulators; C014612:indolebutyric acid; D013395:Sucrose; C007842:gibberellic acid
keywords: Cucumis anguria L.; Plant growth regulators; in vitro flowering; micropropagation; rooting