The effect of growth factors on direct micropropagation of Physalis alkekengi L. (Solanaceae) through buds and stems explants to transfer to the greenhouse and flowering phase

Physalis alkekengi L. is planted in gardens and green spaces because of the beautiful and colorful sepals surrounding the fruit. The species is widely used in traditional medicine and treating a range of diseases. Micropropagation of P. alkekengi was evaluated using the node and internode explants. After sterilization and seed germination, sterile seedlings were transformed to basal MS medium to create sterilized seedlings as a source of explants. Regeneration of nodes and internodes explants was studied at various concentrations of growth regulators of 2, 4-D and BAP as well as in medium lacking growth regulators or control (11 various media). The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with three replicates. The internodal explants produced shoot on media 2 (0.2mgl-12, 4-D), 3 (0.2mgl-12, 4-D+0/2mgl-1 BAP ), and 4 (0.5mgl-12, 4-D+0.2mgl-1 BAP ) and then were rooted on these media. The nodal explants in control and different hormonal treatments generated shoots; interestingly, shoots generated in control medium successfully established roots on the same medium after 7 days (70%). The other regenerated shoots in different media (10) were rooted on ½ MS medium containing 1mgl-1IBA. The rooted plants were transplanted into pots containing sand as well as perlite to be well acclimated before transfer to the greenhouse. They grew well later in the greenhouse at a 100% success This study shows high in vitro regeneration capability of this species as an important medicinal and ornamental plant. Therefore, it is suggested to use this species in molecular and genetic studies, somaclonal variation, and the production of herbal medicine.