Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the use of antioxidants, wounding treatments and hormone concentrations in efforts to overcome phenolic oxidation and stimulate axillary bud proliferation. Significant results were achieved with 1-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) and 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) concentrations on explants discoloration and callus formation. The antioxidant treatments, activated charcoal (AC) and ascorbic acid (AA) significantly affected explant discoloration, the induction of callus and the length of roots developed. Wounding treatments resulted in a reduction of plant height, an increase in both explants discoloration and callus formation. The most effective treatment in reducing explants discoloration at the media contact point was achieved in interactive effects of higher NAA and BAP concentrations (0.1 mg.l^-1 NAA; 3 mg.l^-1 BAP and 0.5 mg.l^-1NAA; 5 mg.l^-1 BAP) without wounding. Interactions between antioxidants and wounding treatments resulted in the absolute absence of callus induction in all treatments involving ascorbic acid.

Key words: Ascorbic acid, activated charcoal, 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP), callus formation, discoloration, 1-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA).

Abbreviation

MS, Murashige and Skoog (1962); AC, activated charcoal; AA, ascorbic acid; BAP, 6-benzylaminopurine; NAA, 1-naphthalene acetic acid.