In vitro propagation ofCereus peruvianus mill. (cactaceae)

Summary Cereus peruvianus seedlings were used as a source of stem explants to determine the effective conditions for inducing and maintaining callus tissues in a state of rapid growth, as well as to obtain plants regenerated from callus cultures. Factorial combinations of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and kinetin in MS medium were tested, and we concluded that the 18.1µM 2,4-D and 18.6 or 27.9µM kinetin combinations were suitable for callus induction. The cactus shoots were produced from the friable callus; root elongation occurred within 2 wk in medium without 2,4-D and with 18.6µM kinetin. This method can be used to rapidly produce manyC. peruvianus plants.