DEVELOPING AN EFFICIENT REGENERATION PROTOCOL FOR SWEETPOTATO, Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam., USING NODAL EXPLANTS

Abstract

       An efficient regeneration protocol of large scale micropropagation for clonal establishment of sweet potato from seedlings is an essential step for clonal selection. The objective of this study was to evaluate the potentials of young coconut water and simple aerated culture condition in glass bottles with Milliseal® for in vitro propagation of sweet potato using nodal explants. Shoot regeneration of sweet potato nodes bearing dormant buds was effectively promoted by aerated culture condition in full strength MS salt solidified by 8g/L agar supplemented with 3% sucrose, BAP 1.0 mg/L, 0.5 mg/L IAA and 20% coconut water and subsequent root induction was effective on full strength MS salt solidified by 8g/L agar supplemented with 3% sucrose and 0.3 mg/L α - NAA. The plantlets derived from aerated culture condition were more vigorous compared to conventional non-aerated culture condition, leading to high survival rate (~ 100%) and enhanced growth during acclimatiztion. Sand – smoked rice husk potting mix was suitable for hardening of in vitro - derived plantlets.