Studies on the in vitro cultures of ginger (Zingiber officinale Rocs.)

Abstract

This study was conducted in the plant tissue culture laboratory of the College of Agricultural Studies, Sudan University of Science and Technology. The study aimed to fulfill the following objectives :- Exploration of the different substances as disinfectants to establish the in vitro culture of ginger shoot bud explants; investigation of the influence of different furidan concentrations on cultures multiplication and exploration of the effect of different media physical forms on proliferation of in vitro cultures of ginger. The results showed variations in the capacities of the various disinfectants to control microbial infections of the explants. The water extract of willow bark exhibited the best potential for control of both fungal and bacterial infections. An antibiotic (Gentamicin) was also of considerable control powers for both bacterial and fungal microbes. The best antifungal activity was obtained from the from the milky latex of the leaves and stems of Gaint milk weed (Calotropis procera). The concentration 2mg/l carbofuran (furidan) enhanced the multiplication potential of cultures. The agar mounted by a layer of liquid media was better, although not significantly different from agar media for shoot multiplication, while multiplication was retarded in stationary liquid media.