In vitro regeneration and multiplication of Passiflora hybrid "Guglielmo Betto".

With more than 450 species, Passiflora is the most important genus of the family Passifloraceae. It comprises many species grown for their edible fruits, for their high ornamental value, and further for the therapeutic properties. With their striking exotic flowers, they are of particular interest for the floriculture market. With the aim of evaluating the in vitro propagation of an Italian ornamental hybrid, axillary tendrils of Passiflora "Guglielmo Betto" M. Vecchia (P. incarnata L. x P. tucumanensis L.) were sterilized and placed in vitro. Direct shoot regeneration was achieved from young tendrils cultivated on MS medium containing, either 4.43 microM 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) and 11.41 microM indoleacetic acid (IAA), or 49.20 microM 6-gamma-gamma-dimethylallylaminopurine (2iP) and 2.68 microM alpha-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA), respectively. In vitro shoot multiplication, rooting, and regenerated plant acclimatization protocols were established.