Efficient in vitro plant regeneration, flowering and fruiting of dwarf Tomato cv. Micro-Msk

Successful in vitro plant regeneration, flowering and fruiting were developed in Tomato (Micro-MsK) a model plant for genetic studies using leaf explants. The leaf explants were cultured on Murashige and Skoog’s medium (MS) supplemented with different concentrations (1.0–3.0 mg/L) of Benzyl amino purine (BAP) and Zeatin (Zt) individually and also in combination with 0.1 mg/L auxins (IAA/NAA). More number of multiple shoots (15.8) formation per explant was found at 2.0 mg/L Zt. Whereas maximum frequency of adventitious shoots were developed from the leaf explants cultured on MS medium augmented with 0.1 mg/L IAA + 2.0 mg/L Zt in comparison to all the concentrations and combinations used. To know the effect of Timentin on regeneration ability, leaf explants were also cultured on Timentin (100 - 400 mg/L) supplemented with IAA (0.1 mg/l) + Zt (2.0 mg/l) combination. High frequency number of multiple shoots followed by in vitro flowering and fruiting were observed. Viable seeds were formed and also showed the normal germination. The protocol developed in the present investigation may significantly contribute to genetic improvement of tomato.