Direct organogenesis of passion flower (Passiflora caerulea L.) via leaf and petiole explants

Passion flower (Passiflora caerulea L.) is a climbing and herbaceous shrub belonging to the family of Passifloraceae. Tissue culture is an important part of biotechnology, which can produce plants free of pathogens and provides mass production. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of two different types of explants (leaf and petiole) in order to obtain shoot multiplication of Passiflora caerulea. Various concentrations of 6-benzyl amino purine (BAP), 6-furfuryl amino purine (KN) and Thidiazuron (TDZ) in combination with indole butyric acid (IBA) were used as a completely randomized design, in three replications. Results of this experiment showed that the highest regeneration frequency of the petiole explant (100%) and the maximum number of multiple shoots (8.9) was obtained in MS medium supplemented with 1.0 mg/l BAP along with 0.1 mg/l IBA. Also in leaf explants, the highest regeneration frequency (86.66%) as well as the maximum number of multiple shoots (8.6) were obtained in the above-mentioned medium. The highest rooting frequency (93.33%) was observed on MS medium supplemented with 0.5 mg/l IBA. In vitro-raised plantlets were potted and acclimatized under culture room conditions for 25–30 days before transfer to soil conditions, where the established plants showed more than 90 % survival. The described protocol had a high potential for the micropropagation of this valuable germplasm.