Micropropagation of Patharnakh (Pyrus pyrifolia (Burm f.) Nakai) Pear using Explants Obtained from Forced Cuttings

Nodal explants from forced cuttings of Patharnakh were used for micropropagation protocol development. The effect of different media {1/2 MS (M 1 ), MS (M 2 ) and WPM (M 3 )} and growth regulators (BAP, IBA and NAA) on establishment, proliferation and rooting was examined. Necrotic culture (%) was found to be influenced by type of media and growth regulator fortification during establishment stage. Lowest necrotic cultures (0.00%) were observed in M 2 medium fortified with BAP (1.0 mgl -1 ) and IBA (0.01 mgl -1 ). Maximum establishment (96.29%) was obtained on M 2 medium fortified with BAP (1.5 mgl -1 ) and IBA (0.01 mgl -1 ). Maximum proliferated cultures (85.67%) were obtained using M3 medium fortified with BAP (2.5 mgl -1 ). Similarly the highest shoots per explant (3.80) were obtained in M 3 medium supplemented with BAP (2.5 mgl -1 ). Shoots of maximum length (53.75) were obtained in M 3 medium containing BAP (0.0 mgl -1 ), i.e., control. Rooting (%) was maximum (10.16%) using M 1 medium fortified with IBA (1.0 mgl -1 ). No rooting was obtained irrespective of media using NAA. Roots per explant were 2.38 using M 1 medium supplemented with IBA (1.0 mgl -1 ). However, roots of maximum length were obtained using M 3 medium supplemented with IBA (1.0 mgl -1 ).