In Vitro Storage of Gladiolus: Use of Growth Retardants and Osmotica

The effect of alar, maleic hydrazide and mannitol on growth and storability of micro-shoots of gladiolus was assessed. Alar (B-9) at a concentration of 40 mg per litre was best in extending the storability of cultures with the least shoot length (7.20 cm) and highest percent recovery (92.00%). The same concentration (4.0mg per litre) of MH delayed the bud sprouting (26.80 days) with least number of multiple shoots (0.20), reduced shoot length (7.96 cm) and longest storage period (270.00 days). Mannitol at 2 percent was best in extending storage period (273.80 days) with good percent recovery (88.00%).