Enhanced axillary shoot proliferation was observed in the shoot segments after 4-6 weeks in the
media supplemented with BAP, however the number of new shoots varied according to BAP
concentration (Figure 1). The number of branches per explant was highly influenced by the addition
of BAP to the nutrient medium. The highest number of branches (5.608) was achieved from the
addition of 3.0 mg/l BAP (Fig. 5. C and D). While the lowest number of branches per explant (1.083)
was recorded in the control treatment. A reverse correlation can be found between the number of
branches and the mean length of branches, since BAP caused a remarkable reduction in the mean
length of branches as compared to the control treatment from 1.567 cm (control) to only 0.908 cm
(4.0 mg/l BAP). This reduction in length may be attributable to the competition on nutrient media and
space in cultures received high BAP concentration. The highest number of leaves per explant was
recorded for the (3.0 mg/l BAP) treatment (11.573), which was significantly reduced to only 3.998
leaves/ explant in the control treatment.