Different concentrations of 6-benzyladenine (6-BA) were used in vitro to induce buds in three types of explants: leaf discs, root segments and the seedling itself obtained from in vitro seed germination of Passiflora cincinnata Mast. The 0.5 mg.L -1 6-BA concentration was most suitable for all the three explants, however, bud formation time and means (direct/indirect) were different for each type of explant. In seedlings used as explants, it had shoot regeneration from the primary root. Histological events leading to bud formation via meristemoids were described. The origin was indirect in leaf discs, with callus formation in subepidermal cells of the chlorophyll parenchyma layers. In root segments and in seedling roots, the buds were formed directly in the pericycle (in roots with some secondary structure) and in the vascular cambium (at the initial phase of secondary structure). Also, indirect buds originated from meristemoids which were formed around the callus.
Anatomical; organogenesis; 6-benzyladenine; passionfruit
