In Vitro Multiplication of Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat and it is Responses to NaCl Induced Salinity

A micropropgation method by multiple shoot formation of Chrysanthemum morifolium has been developed. Explants growing in greenhouse were used to establish cultures of C. morifolium. Shoot tips were surface sterilized and cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) media. Successful in vitro multiplication of chrysanthemum was achieved on MS medium supplemented with benzyl amino purine (BAP) at 0.3 mg l-1 . In vitro rooting was successfully achieved on MS media supplemented with different concentration of auxins. The in vitro response to salinity stress (0 to 300 mM NaCl) was also tested. Shoot proliferation was gradually reduced at higher NaCl concentrations. Shoot length, number of leaves, fresh and dry weight, chlorophyll, and carotenoid decreased with elevated salinity concentration. Proline and sodium contents increased with elevated salinity, whereas potassium, nitrogen and protein content decreased. Plantlets grown in vitro presented tolerance and their growth was negatively affected at high salt concentrations. Elevated salinity significantly reduced microshoot protein. It is concluded that in C. morifolium response to in vitro salinity stress may provide a system for production under field conditions