Multiple shoot induction and rooting of Paeonia lactiflora ‘Da Fu Gui’

Underground buds of herbaceous peony ( Paeonia lactiflora Pall. ) ‘Da Fu Gui’ were micropropagated in vitro . The basic processes including culture initiation, shoot induction, axillary shoot proliferation and rooting were established. The best initial medium of ‘Da Fu Gui’ was half-strength MS (Murashige and Skoog) medium (double-strength Ca 2+ ) supplemented with 0.5 mg l -1 6-benzylaminopurine (BA) plus 0.5 mg l -1 gibberellic acid (GA 3 ). The best medium for axillary shoot induction was half-strength MS medium (double-strength Ca2+) supplemented with 1.0 mg l -1 BA plus 0.5 mg l -1 kinetin (Kin), while 0.5 mg l -1 BA + 0.3 mg l -1 Kin was best for shoot proliferation. Shoot height at the time of inoculation had a great effect on proliferation and growth of ‘Da Fu Gui’. Putrescine (Put) (0.5 to 5.0 mg l-1) prevented rooting of ‘Da Fu Gui’ but it favored the development of roots. Highest rooting percentage was observed on half-strength MS medium (double-strength Ca 2+ ) supplemented with 1 mg l -1 indole-3-butyric acid (IBA). Key words: Herbaceous peony, underground buds, axillary shoots, micropropagation.