In Vitro Mass Propagation of Cucumis sativus L. from Nodal Segments

An efficient reproducible protocol for the in vitro multiplication of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.), an important vegetable crop, was developed from nodal explants. Addition of casein hydrolysate to the shoot induction medium (MS + BA) significantly enhanced the number of multiple shoots or growth of the regenerants. Optimum shoot regeneration was observed on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium containing 1.0 µM 6-benzyladenine (BA) and (200 mg/l) casein hydrolysate. Rooting of isolated in vitroraised microshoots was readily achieved with (1.0 µM) a-naphthalene-acetic acid (NAA) in 1/2 MS. The plantlets thus obtained were successfully established in a greenhouse.