Abstract

In vitro seed culture and induction of enhanced axillary branching in Pterocarpus marsupium R.: An endangered leguminous tree

Author(s): P.Deenathayalan, S.Vijayakumar, K.Kalimuthu

Pterocarpusmarsupium. Roxb. has great commercial value as a timber tree in India, An efficient protocol for in vitro seed culture and induction of axillary branching has been established.Maximumseed germination (75% to 85%) occurred in control culture (Murashige & Skoog). The result of interest in seed culture was multiple shoot formation and pronounced axillary branches onMSmediumsupplemented with BAP + NAA(1.5mg/ l + 0.3mg/l) and BAP + KIN (1.5mg/l + 0.2mg/l). Shoot proliferation and relatively more number of axillary branches obtained with MS medium containing BAP + KIN + IAA(0.5 + 0.2 + 0.3mg /l) within sixweeks from cotyledonary nodal explant. The best callus proliferation andmore number of shoot formations fromcotyledon explantswere observed in the medium containing BAP + KIN + IAA(1.0 + 0.2 + 0.3mg /l).About 85%of shoots were rooted onMSmediumwith 0.5mg/l of IBA. Thewell developed plants were hardened and transferred to a mist chamber in a shade house with 84%survival frequency.