An improved protocol for micropropagation of elite genotypes of Simmondsia chinensis (Link) Schneider

An efficient micropropagation protocol was developed for elite male and female genotypes of Simmondsia chinensis using nodal segments. Bud initiation was found to be best on Murashige and Skoog’s (MS) medium supplemented with 4.44 μM 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) and 88.8 μM adenine. Upon sub-culture, 10–15 shoots per explant were obtained when 4.44 μM BAP and 74.0 μM adenine were incorporated in the medium. Increase in KNO₃ concentration in the medium improved shoot multiplication rate and in vitro flowering in 20 % of male cultures. Elongated shoots were harvested, pulse treated for 48 h on liquid medium supplemented with 49.0 μM indole-3-butyric acid, 5.40 μM α-naphthaleneacetic acid and 5.71 μM indole-3-acetic acid for root induction and rooting (92 %) was achieved on hormonal free half-strength MS medium supplemented with 1.37 μM chlorogenic acid, 1 % activated charcoal and 2 % sucrose. After successful hardening, plantlets were transferred to greenhouse with 99 % establishment.