In vitro rooting of differentiated shoots in various genotypes of pea

Eight lines of Pisum sativum comprising commercial varieties and marker lines (mutants, wild cross-compatible ecotypes) with one or more gene mutations affecting morphology, were investigated in order to explore genetic variability for in vitro rooting ability. Shoots were obtained from excised cotyledonary and terminal buds cultured on a medium with IBA 1 mg/l and BAP 5 mg/l as growth regulators. Shoots were excised from cultures and transferred to a basal rooting medium eventually modified with various compounds. Highly significant differences were found among the eight genotypes. 3-Aminopyrydine (0.1 mg/l) was found to be the most effective compound for improving rooting. As far as auxins are concerned, NAA 0.2 mg/l or IBA 0.4 mg/l gave the best results. The presence of sucrose (20-40 g/l) was essential for ensuring good rooting percentages.