Multiple shoot induction and rooting of <i>Paeonia lactiflora</i> ‘Da Fu Gui’

Abstract

Underground buds of herbaceous peony (Paeonia lactiflora Pall.) ‘Da Fu Gui’ were micropropagated in vitro. The basic processes including culture initiation, shoot induction, axillary shoot proliferation and rooting were established. The best initial medium of ‘Da Fu Gui’ was half-strength MS (Murashige and Skoog) medium (double-strength Ca²⁺) supplemented with 0.5 mg l^-1 6-benzylaminopurine (BA) plus 0.5 mg l^-1 gibberellic acid (GA₃). The best medium for axillary shoot induction was half-strength MS medium (double-strength Ca2+) supplemented with 1.0 mg l^-1 BA plus 0.5 mg l^-1 kinetin (Kin), while 0.5 mg l^-1 BA + 0.3 mg l^-1 Kin was best for shoot proliferation. Shoot height at the time of inoculation had a great effect on proliferation and growth of ‘Da Fu Gui’. Putrescine (Put) (0.5 to 5.0 mg l-1) prevented rooting of ‘Da Fu Gui’ but it favored the development of roots. Highest rooting percentage was observed on half-strength MS medium (double-strength Ca²⁺) supplemented with 1 mg l^-1 indole-3-butyric acid (IBA).

Key words: Herbaceous peony, underground buds, axillary shoots, micropropagation.