In vitro propagation of Gladiolus by precocious axillary shoot formation

Axillary buds excised from corms of 3 cultivars of hybrid Gladiolus were cultured on nutrient medium containing various levels of 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP). BAP prevented dormancy, promoted shoot growth and inhibited root development. These effects were accompanied by precocious outgrowth of axillary shoots which developed into detachable, independent in vitro plantlets which could be serially sub-cultured for further proliferation. The level of BAP required to promote a steady rate of axillary branching was inversely related to its natural propagation rate. Plantlets not sub-cultured on to fresh medium eventually became dormant with the formation of small corms which could be planted in compost.