Basal Media for In Vitro Germination of Red-Purple Dragon Fruit Hylocereus polyrhizus

Abstract

Five types of basal media, DM 94 (a modified MS), Gamborg B5 (1968), Murashige and Skoog (1962, MS), Lloyd and McCown (1980, LM), and Chinese A (a modified MS) were screened for germination of dragon fruit seeds obtained from the local supermarket. Based on preliminary experiments to determine the potential hormone combinations giving high germination percentage, three combinations were selected. The treatments consisted of 0.8 ppm IBA, 0.5 ppm IBA + 1.0 ppm BAP, 0.5 ppm IBA + 1.0 ppm kinetin and control. Germination of seeds, after three weeks in the media, varied between 62.8% and 89.3%. The highest and the lowest percentages came from similar treatment consisting of 0.5 ppm IBA + 1.0 ppm kinetin but different basal media, Chinese A and DM 94, respectively. The best medium for germination and subsequent growth was a modified MS called Chinese A, which gave 100% transplanting success. This screening experiment showed that this medium can be used for future seed germination of red-purple dragon fruit Hylocereus polyrhizus.