In vitro direct induction of multiple shoot buds of Solanum sarrachoides Sendt. was obtained from leaf segments using Murashige and Skoog's basal medium supplemented with 6-γ-γ-(dimethylallylamino) purine (1·5-2·5 mgl-1). Maximum shoot bud proliferation was observed in the medium containing 2 mgl-1 and better growth of plants with well defined roots, leaves, flowers and fruits in the subsequent stages of development. Histological examination at different stages of development confirmed that the multiple buds produced on excised leaf segments arise adventitiously through the formation of numerous tiny protuberances. The complete sequence of events leading to multiple bud formation based on histological studies has been presented. © 1989 Indian Academy of Sciences.