Control of leaf abscission in nodal cultures of Annona squamosa L.

Summary

Attempts to micropropagate Annona squamosa L. (sugar apple) from nodal expiants have been hindered by complete leaf abscission during establishment in culture. Absorbents and inhibitors of ethylene biosynthesis and action were tested in order to control leaf drop. The inhibitors of ethylene action, silver thiosulphate and 2,5- norbornadiene, were more effective in avoiding leaf abscission than absorbents of ethylene, activated charcoal, mercuric Perchlorate and potassium permanganate, or inhibitors of ethylene biosynthesis, aminoethoxyvinylglycine, aminooxyacetic acid and cobalt chloride. The results suggest that silver compounds can be used as effective inhibitors of leaf abscission in the establishment of Annona squamosa in culture.