This study investigated the factors influencing in vitro flowering of gherkin (Cucumis anguria L.). Multiple shoots were efficiently regenerated from cotyledonary node and axillary bud explants of C. anguria within 15 days on MSB5 medium containing 3% sucrose and supplemented with 1.5 mg l-1 6-benzyladinine (BA). The elongated shoots were excised and transferred to MSB5 medium containing 4% sucrose supplemented with 0.5 mg l(-1) gibberellic acid (GA(3)) and 1.0 mg l(-1) indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) induced maximum number of flowers (9.5 flowers/plant) and root induction (16.5 roots/plant). Factors that influence the in vitro flowering were optimizing pH, photoperiod and temperature. In vitro flowering was significantly early and higher number of flowers produced at pH (5.8), photoperiod (12/12 h) and room temperature (28 °C). In vitro developed flowers were less viable (80 ± 1.0%) compared to control plants (90 ± 2.0%). Our in vitro flower induction procedures provide an extremely effective method for further research on flowering regulation mechanisms in C. anguria. These plantlets were successfully transferred to the soil where they grew well for 3 to 5 weeks with 90% survivability. Plants grew normally and produced flowers with viable pollen and fertile seeds.
Keywords: Cucumis anguria L.; Plant growth regulators; in vitro flowering; micropropagation; rooting.