Optimization of proliferation and regeneration of Elatior Begonia (Begonia × hiemalis Fotsch.)

Elatior Begonia (Begonia × hiemalis Fotsch.) is a flowering and beautiful pot plant that is particularly notable due to its flower color variations. The present study was conducted to investigate shoot proliferation and rooting of B. hiemalis under the influence of plant growth regulators in vitro. Shoot proliferation was carried out as a factorial experiment based on a completely randomized design (CRD) using NAA at 0, 0.25, 0.5, and 1 mg L-1 as auxin and BA and Kin at 0, 0.5, 1, 1.5 mg L-1 as cytokinin. Results showed that the highest amounts of fresh and dry weight of shoot and root, the number of leaves, and proliferation rate were observed in the treatments containing 0.25 mg L-1 NAA and 1 mg L-1 BA/Kin. Among different levels of cytokinin, BA 1 mg L-1 was more effective than the other levels. The percentage of necrosis in treatments without NAA was higher than the others. Rooting experiment was conducted as a CRD employing IBA at levels of 0, 0.25, 0.5 and 1 mg L-1. The highest rate of rooting was obtained in 0.5 mg L-1 IBA. Evaluation of adapted plants showed that in the acclimatization stage, the plants obtained from both cytokinin treatments had acceptable values in terms of phytochemical properties. Because BA treatment resulted in greater total chlorophyll, chlorophyll a, and total phenol levels, BA can be recommended as the most effective and preferable cytokinin for B. hiemalis proliferation and its commercial reproduction.