Effect of cytokinins and amino acids on multiplication of Pelargonium cultivars

The effect of two cytokinins (BAP, m-Topolin) tested singly or in combinati on with a mixture of amino acids (glycine, glutamine, cysteine) on multipli cation rate and quality of Pelargonium x hederaefolium and Pelargonium x ho rtorum shoots were investigated. For both Pelargonium cultivars, the applic ation of cytokinins greatly increased the production of axillary and advent itious shoots compared with the shoots produced on the medium without growt h regulators. In the case of P, x hederaefolium no significant differences it were found in the number of shoot formed for BAP and m-Topolin treatment s. For P. x hortorum the most effective multiplication of shoots was obtain ed on the medium supplemented with m-Topolin (1.0 mg l(-1)). Moreover, in t he presence of m-Topolin an improvement of shoot quality of both genotypes has been observed (well developed shoots with soft green leaves). It was pa rticularly apparent for P. x hortorum shoots. The addition of amino acids to a cytokinin medium increased slightly the nu mber of formed shoots of P. x hederaefolium and influenced the shoot qualit y of both Pelargonium cultivars (well developed leaf blades, uniform growth of shoots in clumps, slower Process of shoot senescence).