IN VITRO ESTABLISHMENT OF AROMATIC GERANIUM FROM BRAZIL

The aim of this work was to conduct in vitro establishment of aromatic geranium (Pelargonium graveolens) from Brazil. A completely randomized design was used. A 4×4×2 factorial scheme was utilized in the first assay, testing four concentrations of sodium hypochlorite (1.0; 1.5; 2.0; and 2.5%), four immersion times (8, 10, 12, and 14 min), and with and without pulverization with fungicide and antibiotic of the mother plants before removing explants. In the second assay a 4×4×2 factorial scheme was utilized, testing four concentrations of mercury chloride (0.06, 0.08, 0.10 and 0.12%), four immersion times (8, 10, 12, and 14 min), and with and without pulverization with fungicide and antibiotic of the mother plants before removing explants. For the third assay a 4×2 factorial scheme was utilized, testing four concentrations of salts of the MS medium (25, 50, 75 and 100%) and two types of explants (nodal and leaves). The evaluated variables were regeneration (%), contamination (%), number of shoots per explant, and dry weight of the aerial part (mg). Sodium hypochlorite at 1.2% for 12 min was efficient for disinfestation of geranium explants. The concentrations of 0.09 and 0.08% of mercury chloride for 12 and 14 min, respectively, presented the best results for contamination control. The use of leaf explants in MS medium containing 39.8% of its salts allowed major regeneration rates of geranium.