In vitro regeneration and induction of mutation in Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica L.)

Abstract

Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica L.) is a potential fruit crop in Indonesia. The experiments were carried out to study the effect of gamma rays as in vitro mutagenesis agent and also the regeneration of mutant explants of loquat on different media. The experiment used two media (MS and WPM) containing BA and NAA, three type of explants (apical shoot, stem, cotyledon), and four doses of gamma rays (0, 10, 30, 50 Gy). The results showed that MS media was better than WPM media in term of callus production. Moreover, explants of loquat showed a different response to gamma irradiation and the highest response on number of shoots, number of leaves and plant height was found at a dose of 10 Gy. On the other hand, the explants of cotyledon were only able to produce callus. The explants of the apical shoot were able to produce the highest number of leaves and shoots than the explants of the stem. However, the combination of MS media, apical shoot explants and 10 Gy of gamma rays irradiation showed a better response in the growth traits of callus diameter, callus height, number of shoots, number of leaves and plantlet height. Overall, the results of this study showed that in vitro culture in combination with induced mutations can speed up breeding programmes.