The aim of the present study was to optimize a cv. Gaucho melon cotyledon explant regeneration protocol, evaluating the germination media composition and the explant exposition period in these media. For this purpose, seeds were germinated in semi-solid MS medium containing either BAP or ANA, and without growth regulators. The seeds were kept in these media for one, two, three or four days; afterwards, their cotyledons were inoculated in MS medium containing different BAP concentrations (0.5; 0.9; 1.5 and 2.0mg L-1). The highest regeneration rates occurred with cotyledons from seeds which had been kept for one or two days in media containing 0.5 and 0.9mg L-1 BAP. Both the increase in the explant exposition time in germination media and high BAP concentrations in regeneration media decreased explant organogenic capacity, and increased callus formation.
Cucumis melo L.; culture medium; morphogenesis
