October 18, 2024| Plant Biotechnology Reports|
Researchers from Çukurova University, Adana, Türkiye, conducted a study to establish in vitro micropropagation protocols for two pitaya species, Hylocereus undatus and Hylocereus polyrhizus. Using Murashige and Skoog (MS) and Lloyd and McCown (WPM) media, they explored the effects of various growth regulators, including Benzyl adenine (BA), Gibberellic acid (GA3), Indole butyric acid (IBA), and Naphthalene acetic acid (NAA), on shoot and root development.
Results showed that H. undatus produced the highest number of shoots (8.94) in MS medium with 3 mg/L BA, while H. polyrhizus reached its peak (4.46 shoots) with 5 mg/L BA. WPM medium was superior in promoting root growth, with an average root number of 3.08 compared to 2.55 in MS medium. The highest average root number was achieved at 0.5 mg/L IBA concentration. H. polyrhizus showed longer root length and higher root fresh weight, while H. undatus had higher shoot fresh and dry weights in specific treatments.
The study provides a comprehensive micropropagation protocol, highlighting optimal conditions for shoot and root development in pitaya species, potentially aiding large-scale propagation and commercial cultivation efforts.
