The effect of triacontanol on micropropagation of Capsicum frutescens and Decalepis hamiltonii W & A

We studied the effect of triacontanol (TRIA) on shoot multiplication and rooting of in vitro derived shoot tips of Capsicum frutescens and Decalepis hamiltonii W & A. In both shoot multiplication and rooting phases, TRIA was administered at 2-20 g l^–1. TRIA resulted in highest promotion of axillary shoot proliferation at 2 g l^–1 in Capsicum frutescens and 20 g l^–1 in Decalepis hamiltonii while rooting was maximum at 5 and 10 g l^–1 for Capsicum frutescens and Decalepis hamiltonii respectively. TRIA enhanced shoot growth and chlorophyll content of leaves and also influenced root induction and supported growth of the roots. This work reveals that TRIA can be used as an effective growth regulator in the micropropagation of Capsicum frutescens and Decalepis hamiltonii, an endangered shrub of Deccan peninsular India.