In vitro Micro-propagation of the Degenerate Gerbera jamesonii Using Root Segments as Explant

Purpose The root segments from degenerate Gerbera jamesonii was used as explants for tissue culture and plantlet regeneration, and the aim was to provide technical support for recovery of the degraded traits and sustainable utilization of elite variety of G. jamesonii.Methods Using different lengths of root segments from the cultured plantlets in tubes of degenerate G. jamesonii as explants and MS as basal medium, this test was conducted to analyze the effects of different hormones and their ratios on adventitious buds induction, proliferation and rooting of shoots.Results The optimal root length was 0.5 cm, and MS + 6-BA 1.0 mg/L + NAA 0.5 mg/L + sugar 20 g/L was the most favorable medium for adventitious buds induction. Of which, adventitious bud organogenesis frequency was 48.3%. 5.07 buds per explant were got from root-derived callus when cultured on a MS medium containing 1.0 mg/L 6-BA, 0.1 mg/L NAA and 30 g/L sugar. The adventitious buds cultured on this medium grew vigorously while maintaining higher proliferation multiples. The appropriate medium for the regenerated shoots formed complete roots was 1/2 MS + IBA 0.5 mg/L + sugar 15-20 g/L. Cultured on the medium for 20 days, 97.8% of regenerated shoots could form complete roots, and the roots were strong and grew fast.Conclusion Optimal system of tissue culture for root segment from G. jamesonii was established with high induction and proliferation rates of adventitious buds and good rooting growth.