The influence of endogenous hormones on the formation of buds from stems of bitter melon (<i>Momordıca charantıa</i> L.)

Abstract

Stems of bitter melon (Momordica charantia L.) cv. Dabai were used to establish in vitro cultures. The endogenous hormone concentrations (indoleacetic acid [IAA], abscisic acid [ABA], gibberellins 3 [GA₃], zeatin [ZT]) of the calluses were determined by means of high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). The endogenous ZT was higher in the stem calluses that had formed buds, and there was a higher IAA/ZT ratio and GA₃/ZT ratio in the calluses having no capacity for buds formation. The results showed that addition of plant growth regulator influences endogenous hormone status and it will be helpful for in vitro propagation of bitter melon.

Key words: Endogenous phytohormones, high pressure liquid chromatography, in vitro culture, bitter melon (Momordica charantia L.).