Effect of Phytohormones on Multiple Shoot Bud Induction in cv. NARI-6 of Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.)

In the present study, in vitro multiple shoot induction was achieved from cotyledonary node and stem nodal explants of cv. NARI-6 of safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.). Among various growth regulators tested, MS salts and B5 vitamins supplemented with BA (6-Benzy-laminopurine) $17.76\;{\mu}M$ and KN (Kinetin) $6.96\;{\mu}M$ phytohormonal combination was found to be the most effective in initiating numerous shoot buds after 30 days of culture than BA ($4.44-44.39\;{\mu}M$) or KN ($2.32-46.40\;{\mu}M$) alone in the medium. In addition, 0.8% (w/v) agar (Hi-media) and 3.0% sucrose (w/v) was the optimum level for the formation of adventitious shoots. Further results showed the maximum shoot elongation occurred on MS medium with BA ($8.88\;{\mu}M$) and $GA_3$($11.56\;{\mu}M$) combinations. Efficient rooting occurred on quarter strength MS medium with NAA $10.74\;{\mu}M$. The regenerated plantlets were acclimatized and successfully transferred to the field.