Rapid clonal propagation of Vitex trifolia

This report describes in vitro shoot induction and plant regeneration from mature nodal explants of Vitex trifolia L. on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium fortified with benzylaminopurine (BAP), kinetin (KN), thidiazuron (TDZ), adenine (ADE), and 2-isopentenyladenine (2-iP) (0.25 – 10.0 μM). Multiple shoots differentiated directly without callus mediation within 3 weeks when explants were cultured on medium supplemented with cytokinins. The maximum number of shoots (9 shoots per explant) was developed on a medium supplemented with 5.0 μM BAP. Shoot cultures was established repeatedly subculturing the original nodal explant on the same medium. Rooting of shoots was achieved on half strength MS medium supplemented with 0.5 μM naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA). Rooted plantlets transferred to pots containing autoclaved soil and vermiculite mixture (1:1) showed 90 % survival when transferred to outdoor.     

In vitro propagation of Albizia odoratissima L.F. (Benth.) from cotyledonary node and leaf nodal explants

Summary Cotyledonary node and leaf nodal explants excised from 14-d-old in vitro-grown seedlings of Albizia odoratissima were cultured on a Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium with different concentrations of 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP), N ⁶-(2-isopentenyl) adenine (2-iP) and kinetin, used either solely or in combinations. The highest frequency for shoot regeneration (82.5%), the maximum number of shoots per explant (6.9), and the maximum shoot length (2.55 cm) were obtained from cotyledonary node explants cultured on a MS medium containing 10 μM BAP and 10 μM 2-iP with 30 gl^−1 sucrose. Successful rooting was achieved by placing the microshoots on MS medium with 25 μM indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) for 24h first, then transferring to the same medium without IBA. Of the various substrates tested, vermiculite was best for plant acclimatization, in which 75% of plants survived.     

Micropropagation of Bixa orellana using phytohormones and triacontanol

An efficient micropropagation protocol for annatto (Bixa orellana L.) was achieved using nodal shoot tip explants. Shoot buds were obtained on the Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with various concentrations and combinations of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), N⁶-benzyladenine (BA) and triacontanol (TRIA). Maximum of 213 shoot buds along with 18 primary shoots were produced on MS medium containing 0.05 μM IAA, 8.87 μM BA, and 11.2 μM TRIA. The primary shoots elongated best on MS medium containing 6.66 μM BA and 2.45 μM indole-3-butyric acid (IBA). The regenerated shoots rooted best on MS medium supplemented with 4.9 μM IBA. The in vitro rooted plantlets were hardened and establishment rate under field conditions was 70 to 80 %.     

Micropropagation of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Penthorum chinense</Emphasis> through axillary bud

This study reports a protocol for successful micropropagation of Penthorum chinense using nodal explants on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 6-benzyladenine (BA) or kinetin (Kn). The presence of BA promoted a higher rate of shoot multiplication than Kn. Maximum multiple shoot formation was observed in 59.2% of nodal explants cultured on MS medium supplemented with 2.0 mg l⁻¹ BA after 6 wk. After subculture for 4 wk, the maximum number of shoots (6.4) was obtained on a medium with 2.0 mg l⁻¹ BA, but shoots were too short and not suitable for micropropagation. The taller shoots that regenerated in the presence of lower BA concentration (1.0 mg l⁻¹) were selected for root induction study. Most shoots (98.8%) rooted in the presence of 0.5 mg l⁻¹ indole-3-acetic acid after 3 wk, with each shoot forming an average of 10.0 roots. Plantlets were transferred to soil and successfully acclimatized.     

In vitro clonal propagation of annatto (Bixa oreliana L.)

Summary A protocol for in vitro propagation of Bixa orellana is described. Plants were regenerated from shoot apex and nodal explants on B5 medium supplemented with 4.9 μM 2-isopentenyl adenine. The multiplication factor of shoot apex explants was higher (nine shoots per explant) than that of the nodal explants (five shoots per explant). Regardless of the position of the nodes, all the nodal explants gave similar responses. However, the size of the nodal explant was an important factor in producing multiple shoots: 0.5 cm nodal explants produced the maximum multiple shoots. Regenerated shoots from shoot apex explants rooted best on MS medium supplemented with 0.05 μM α-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA). whereas shoots regenerated from nodal explants needed 2.7 μM NAA for rooting. Eighty per cent survival of in vivo transferred plants occurred on the best potting substrate, coco peat. Since the multiplication factor was nine per explant, this protocol can be use for commercial microprogation. However, the regeneration capacity declined after 10 subcultures. Approximately, 3350 rooted plants could be generated in 10 mo. after eight subcultures, from one shoot with a shoot apex and four nodes.     

In vitro clonal propagation through mature nodes of Tinospora cordifolia (Willd.) Hook. F. & Thoms.: An important ayurvedic medicinal plant

Summary A protocol was developed for rapid clonal propagation of the important medicinal climber, Tinospora cordifolia, through in vitro culture of mature nodal explants. Shoots were initiated on both Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium and woody plant medium (WPM) supplemented with 2.32 μM kinetin (KIN). Of the two basal media tested, WPM was found to be superior to MS medium for the induction of multiple shoots. Among the cytokinins tested, N⁶-benzyladenine (BA) was more effective than KIN for axillary shoot proliferation. KIN was superior to BA in terms of shoot elongation. An average multiplication rate of 6.3 shoots per explant was obtained with WPM supplemented with 8.87 μM BA. Shoot clumps harvested from this medium were transferred to WPM supplemented with 2.22 μM BA and 4.65 μM KIN for shoot elongation. Elongated shoots were rooted in half-strength MS medium supplemented with 2.85 μM indole-3-acetic acid (IAA). Rooted plantlets were successfully transferred to sand and established with 80% survival.     

In vitro rapid multiplication and propagation of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cardiospermum</Emphasis><Emphasis Type="Italic">halicacabum</Emphasis> L. through axillary bud culture

A simple, rapid and efficient protocol for micropropagation of Cardiospermum halicacabum via axillary bud multiplication has been successfully developed. The organogenic competence of nodal segments was investigated on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with different concentrations of benzyladenine (BA), kinetin (Kn), thidiazuron (TDZ) and 2-isopentenyladenine (2-iP). Multiple shoots differentiated directly without callus mediation within 4 weeks when explants were cultured on a medium fortified with cytokinins. The maximum number of shoots (14.83 ± 0.52) was developed on a medium supplemented with 0.3 μM TDZ. Such proliferating shoots when subcultured onto MS media devoid of TDZ gave the highest rate of shoot multiplication (35.66 ± 1.00) by the end of fourth subculture passage. Elongated shoots were rooted on 1/3 MS medium augmented with 0.5 μM IAA. The plantlets thus obtained were successfully hardened and transferred to greenhouse.     

Micropropagation of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Clitoria ternatea</Emphasis> Linn. (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Fabaceae</Emphasis>)— An important medicinal plant

Summary An efficient protocol was established for in vitro shoot multiplication from nodal explants of Clitoria ternatea on semisolid Murashige and Skoog (MS) basal medium supplemented with 8.9μM 6-benzylaminopurine (BA). Inclusion of 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) in the culture medium along with BA promoted higher rates of shoot multiplication than BA alone. The rate of shoot multiplication was maximum (5.21) after 4 wk of culture on MS basal medium supplemented with 8.9μM BA and 1.34μM NAA. The elongated shoots rooted within 7–8d in half-strength MS basal salts supplemented with 1.34μM NAA and 2% (w/v) sucrose. About 85% of the rooted plantlets were acclimatized and transferred to the greenhouse.     

Micropropagation of <Emphasis Type="Italic">eclipta alba</Emphasis> (L.) hassk—An important medicinal plant

Summary An efficient and reproducible protocol for mass propagation of Eclipta alba (L.) Hassk, an important medicinal plant, was standardized by culturing shoot tips and nodal segments taken from in vitro raised plants. Maximum shoot proliferation occurred when the explants were cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 1 mg l⁻¹ benzylaminopurine (BAP). The shoot buds formed were further multiplied and maintained on medium containing BAP (0.5 mgl⁻¹) and gibberellic acid (0.5 mgl⁻¹). Rooting was best achieved on MS medium supplement with 1 mg⁻¹ indole-3-butyric acid. Rooted plantlets attained maturity and flowered normally in the field.     

Micropropagation of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Metrosideros excelsa</Emphasis>

Multiple shoots were induced on stem segments of an 8-y-old plant of Metrosideros excelsa Sol ex Gaertn. “Parnel”. Axillary shoots produced on uncontaminated explants were excised, segmented, and recultured in the same medium to increase the stock of shoot cultures. The Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium, augmented with different concentrations of 2- isopenthenyladenine (2iP) and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), either singly or in combinations, as potential medium for shoot multiplication by nodal segments was tested. In the following experiment, equal molar concentrations of four cytokinins [2iP, kinetin, zeatin, and N ⁶-benzyladenine (BA)] in combination with equal molar concentrations of three auxins [IAA, α-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA), and indole-3-butyric acid (IBA)] were tested for ability to induce axillary shoot development from single-node stem segments. The highest rate of axillary shoot proliferation was induced on MS agar medium supplemented with 1.96μM 2iP and 1.14μM IAA after 6 wk in culture. Different auxins (IAA, IBA, and NAA) were tested to determine the optimum conditions for in vitro rooting of microshoots. The best results were accomplished with IAA at 5.71μM (89% rooting) and with IBA at 2.85 or 5.71μM (86% and 86% rooting, respectively). Seventy and 90 percent of the microshoots were rooted ex vitro in bottom-heated bench (22 ± 2°C) after 2 and 4 wk, respectively. In vitro and ex vitro rooted plantlets were successfully established in soil.     

In vitro clonal propagation of an aromatic medicinal herb Ocimum basilicum L. (sweet basil) by axillary shoot proliferation

Summary An efficient protocol for in vitro propagation of an aromatic and medicinal herb Ocimum basilicum L. (sweet basil) through axillary shoot proliferation from nodal explants, collected from field-grown plants, is described. High frequency bud break and maximum number of axillary shoot formation was induced in the nodal explants on Murashige and Skoog (1962) medium (MS) containing N⁶-benzyladenine (BA). The nodal explants required the presence of BA at a higher concentration (1.0 mg·l⁻¹, 4.4 μM) at the initial stage of bud break; however, further growth and proliferation required transfer to a medium containing BA at a relatively low concentration (0.25 mg·gl⁻¹, 1.1 μM). Gibberellic (GA₃) at 0.4 mg·l⁻¹ (1.2 μM) added to the medium along with BA (1.0 mg·l⁻¹, 4.4 μM) markedly enhanced the frequency of bud break. The shoot clumps that were maintained on the proliferating medium for longer durations, developed inflorescences and flowered in vitro. The shoots formed in vitro were rooted on half-strength MS supplemented with 1.0 mg·l⁻¹ (5.0 μM) indole-3-butyric acid (IBA). Rooted plantlets were successfully acclimated in vermi-compost inside a growth chamber and eventually established in soil. All regenerated plants were identical to the donor plants with respect to vegetative and floral morphology.     

Direct shoot organogenesis from <Emphasis Type="Italic">in vitro</Emphasis>-derived mature leaf explants of pistachio

An efficient system was developed for direct plant regeneration from in vitro-derived leaf explants of Pistacia vera L. cv. Siirt. The in vitro procedure involved four steps that included (1) induction of shoot initials from the regenerated mature leaf tissue, (2) regeneration and elongation of shoots from the shoot initials, (3) rooting of the shoots, and (4) acclimatization of the plantlets. The induction of shoot initials was achieved on an agarified Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium with Gamborg vitamins supplemented in different concentrations of benzylaminopurine (BA) and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA). The best medium for shoot induction was a MS medium with 1 mgl⁻¹ IAA and 2 mgl⁻¹ BA. Numerous shoot primordia developed within 2–3 wk on the leaf margin and the midrib region, without any callus phase. In the second step, the shoot clumps were separated from the leaf explants and transferred to a MS medium supplemented with 1 mgl⁻¹ BA, resulting in a differentiation of the shoot initials into well-developed shoots. The elongated shoots (>3 cm long) were rooted on a full-strength MS basal medium supplemented with 2 mgl⁻¹ of indole-3-butyric acid in the third stage. Finally, the rooted plants were transferred to soil with an 80% success rate. This protocol was utilized for the in vitro clonal propagation of this important recalcitrant plant species.     

High frequency of shoot multiplication and bulblet formation of garlic in liquid cultures

In vitro shoot proliferation and bulblet production of garlic (Allium sativum L.) was studied in liquid cultures. Shoots grown in vitro were used as explants and were cultured in MS medium supplemented with 2% (w/v) sucrose and 0.5 mg l^–1 2-iP. Three culture methods (semi-solid, liquid-immersion and raft) were compared for shoot proliferation. Explants in liquid (immersion) culture exhibited an increased multiplication rate and fresh weight of shoots after 3 weeks of culture as compared with the other treatments. Bulblet formation and growth were studied in liquid medium with different concentrations of sucrose (2–13%). MS medium containing 11% (w/v) sucrose was optimal for bulblet development and bulblets developed in this medium within 9 weeks in culture. The highest multiplication rate was (135 bulblets/explant) found when explants were cultured in bulbing medium (MS medium containing 0.1 mg l^–1 NAA+11% (w/v) sucrose) supplemented with 10 M JA. Growth retardants CCC, B-9, ABA also promoted induction and growth of bulblets. Darkness promoted the bulblet induction and growth compared to light conditions (16-h photoperiod of 50 mol m^–2 s^–1). The dormancy of bulblets was broken by cold treatment at 4 °C for 8 weeks.     

Factors influencing shoot regeneration from cotyledons of tetraploid <Emphasis Type="Italic">Isatis indigotica</Emphasis> fort

Summary An efficient in vitro plant regeneration system from cotyledons was established in tetraploid Isatis indigotica Fort. Factors influencing shoot regeneration from cotyledons, including culture medium type, combinations of plant growth regulators, and sucrose concentrations in the medium, as well as illumination were investigated. Murashige and Skoog's (MS) medium was found to be best for promoting shoot regeneration, followed by Gamborg's B₅ and White's medium. The highest shoot regeneration frequency was achieved from cotyledons cultured on MS medium supplemented with 2.0 mgl⁻¹ (8.9 μM) 6-benzyladenine and 1.0 mgl⁻¹ (5.4 μM) α-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA), with 97.9% regeneration, associated with a high number of multiple shoots developed per explant (8.6 shoots per explant). A sucrose concentration of 3% present in the medium and light conditions were beneficial for shoot regeneration. The shoots developed were rooted in a half-strength MS medium supplemented with 1.0 mgl⁻¹ (5.4 μM) NAA and successfully transplanted in soil in pots with over 85% survival. The establishment of an efficient plant regeneration procedure from cotyledons provides a basis for the rapid in vitro multiplication of tetraploid Isatis indigotica Fort., one of the most extensively used medicinal plants in China currently under great shortage.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">In vitro</Emphasis> propagation of the chinese medicinal plant, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Dendrobium candidum</Emphasis> wall. ex lindl., from axenic nodal segments

Summary Dendrobium candidum Wall. Ex Lindl. is an important species used in the formulation of Shih-hu, a Chinese traditional medicine. An efficient protocol for in vitro propagation of D. candidum using the axenic nodal segments of the shoots, originated from the in vitro germinated seedlings, was developed. The seeds from 120-d-old capsules after pollination were first germinated on half-strength Murashige and Skoog (MS) basal medium supplemented with 30 g l⁻¹ sucrose. After 4 mo., the seedlings were subcultured on a similar medium supplemented with 1 ml l⁻¹ HYPONeX, 80 g l⁻¹ potato homogenate and 2 g l⁻¹ activated charcoal for further growth. Axenic nodal segments excised from 9-mo.-old seedlings were cultured on the medium in the presence of 2 mg l⁻¹ benzyladenine (BA) and 0.1 mg l⁻¹ naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA). After 75 d, 73.2% of the explants gave rise to buds/shoots. The elongated shoots were rooted on the medium containing 0.2 mg l⁻¹ NAA and the plantlets were successfully acclimatized in soil.     

The control of in vitro direct main stem formation of Lilium longiflorum derived from receptacle culture, and rapid propagation by using in vitro stem nodes

The control of in vitro direct main stem formation by culturing receptacles, and a protocol for the micropropagation of Lilium longiflorum using in vitro main stem nodes derived from receptacle culture were developed. Receptacles from flowers cultured on MS medium containing 1.0 mg l^–1 gibberellic acid (GA₃) and 0.5 mg l^–1 6-benzyladenine (BA) resulted in direct main stem formation after 3 months culture. These stems were isolated and cut into nodal stem segments, which were then cultured on MS medium supplemented with 0.2 mg l^–1 BA. Shoots formed on each node after one month culture. These shoots were subcultured on MS medium containing 0.5 mg l^–1 BA for their mass propagation. An average of 30 vigorous and uniform shoots were formed per single shoot after each subculture. A cyclic and continuous system of propagation by multiplication of shoots was developed. Shoots were rooted on 1/2 MS medium containing 0.2 mg l^–1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA). One hundred plantlets that were acclimatized in the greenhouse had a 100% survival. A comparison was made with the traditional culture of explants derived from bulb-scales and with that from main stems.     

An efficient in vitro shoot propagation of cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon ait.) by axillary bud proliferation

Summary Cultures of two eranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon Ait.) cultivars, ‘Ben Lear’ and ‘Pilgrim’, and three eranberry clones from natural stands in Newfoundland were established in a nutrient medium containing N⁶[2-isopentenyl]adenine (2iP) from nodal and/or shoot-tip explants obtained under aseptic conditions. The cultivars differed in shoot regeneration in terms of shoot number per explant with various concentrations of 2iP over two culture periods. Best total shoot production was obtained when nodal segments were cultured in the medium supplemented with 2.5–5.0 mg 2iP l⁻¹ (12.3–24.6 μM). With higher 2iP levels, shoots did not expand and had a high mortality rate. Nodal explants of the three clones cultured in the same nutrient medium supplemented with 2.5 mg 2iP l⁻¹ (12.3 μM) produced three to five healthy axillary shoots per explant. In another experiment, nodal explants were more productive than shoot tips. In all experiments with subculture, there was an increase in shoot multiplication rate for all genotypes. Shoots were rooted in vitro in the same media used for shoot proliferation, but without any growth regulators. After their transfer to potting medium, almost all of the rooted plants survived. Cranberry genotypes can be efficiently propagated and maintained through nodal culture in a nutrient medium without auxin that contains 2.5–5 mg 2iP l⁻¹ (12–25 μM).     

A rapid in vitro propagation protocol for Piper barberi Gamble, a critically endangered plant

Summary A protocol is described for rapid multiplication of Piper barberi Gamble (Piperaceae) through shoot tip and nodal explant cultures. Nodal explants with a single axillary meristem showed three times better response with respect to shoot proliferation when compared to shoot tip explants. The best shoot proliferation response of nodal explants was observed with a cytokinin combination of N₆-benzyladenine (4.43 μM) and kinetin (2.32 μM), with 88% bud break. The number of shoot initials (2.4) produced per nodal explant was twice the number of shoot initials (1.2) per shoot tip. An average of 6.9±0.58 adventitious shoots were observed from the proximal end of the internodal explants on Mursashige and Skoog (1962) (Ms) basal medium supplemented with N₆-benzyladenine (2.22 μM) and kinetin (0.46 μM). A multiplication rate of 82 shoots per explant could be achieved after 9 wk of subculturing. The in vitro shoots were rooted on one-half and one-quarter MS basal medium. The shoots rooted on one-quarter MS in the dark produced eight roots with an average root length of 3.36 cm and 98% survival. These plants were transferred to the field with a survival rate of 75%.     

Micropropagation of Indian wild strawberry

An efficient method of micropropagation based on an increased percentage survival of explants and reduced phenol-induced browning in wild strawberry has been developed. Serial transfer of nodal explants was carried out at 24-, 48- and 96-h intervals. Nodal segments cultured on Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with 6-benzyladenine (4.0 μM) and α-naphthalene acetic acid (0.1 μM) gave the best (94.4%) explant establishment and shoot number (22.3) per explant. Of the cytokinins tested, 6-benzyladenine was found more effective than kinetin and N⁶-(γ,γ dimethylallyamino) purine. Excised shoots rooted on half-strength agar-gelled medium with 1.0 μM α-naphthalene acetic acid. Rooted shoots with fully expanded leaves acclimatized successfully and about 70% of plantlets survived ex vitro. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

High frequency adventitious shoot induction and plant regeneration from leaves of statice

An efficient regeneration system for large-scale propagation of statice (Limonium altaica cv. Emille) was developed using leaves from mature plants. Leaf segments (5×5 mm sections) were cultured on Murashige and Skoog's medium supplemented with N⁶-benzyladenine (BA) and thidiazuron (TDZ) individually and in combination with indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and α-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA). Prolific direct adventitious shoot regeneration occurred on most of the media. The best response in terms of frequency of shoot regeneration (99.5%) and number of shoots per explant (112 shoots per explant) was observed on medium supplemented with 2.85 μM IAA and 1.14 μM TDZ. The shoots rooted easily on half strength MS medium and MS medium with indole-3-butyric acid. In vitro propagated plants could be transferred to soil with survival rates of more than 95%. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.