GIBBERELLIC ACID (GA3) IN THE GERMINATION AND IN VITRO DEVELOPMENT OF Hylocereus polyrhizus

This study aims to determine the optimal dose of gibberellic acid (GA3) in modified MS medium for the in vitro germination and development of red-fleshed dragon fruit explants (Hylocereus polyrhizus). Seeds from mature, red-fleshed fruits were inoculated in modified MS medium with GA3 doses of 0.0, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, and 1.0 mg L-1, and germination percentage was evaluated weekly. Sixty days after inoculation, explant height, longest root length, longest shoot length, and average number of roots were assessed. The 1.0 mg L-1 dose resulted in the highest germination percentage, greater cladode height, and longer shoot length. In contrast, root length and average number of roots were favored in the absence of GA3. It is concluded that GA3 application influences germination and early growth, with 1.0 mg L-1 being the most effective dose to accelerate germination and aerial growth. At the same time, the absence of the hormone promotes root development.