The objective was to develop a protocol of 'in vitro' germination and propagation of bottlegourd (Lagenaria siceraria). Experiments of 'in vitro' disinfestation and germination were carried out with intact seeds and seeds without tegument. Cotyledonary explants, apical and nodal segments were propagated in MS medium, supplemented with 30g L-1 of sucrose. Bottlegourd intact seeds only germinated on germitest paper. Seeds without tegument, disinfected in alcohol 70% for 1min. and sodium hypochlorite (3 to 4%) for 10min., geminated in a culture medium of distilled water and 30g L-1 of sucrose, making possible the 'in vitro' establishment of bottlegourd seedlings. Cotyledonary explants produce adventitious shoots and apical and nodal segments grow and root in MS medium without growth regulators. Direct organogenesis of cotyledonary explants and regeneration of apical and nodal segments make easy bottlegourd 'in vitro' propagation and offer a good opportunity to use tissue culture as a complementary tool for breeding and genetics or other applications.
Lagenaria siceraria; disinfection; micropropagation; 6-benzilaminopurin
