Rapid in Vitro Propagation of Acacia Auriculiformis on Solid and Liquid Media: Role of Organic Additive, Antioxidant and Plant Growth Regulators

Acacia auriculiformis, one of the short rotation and fast growing tree species is known for its pharmacological properties notably anti-helminthic, antifilarial, microbicidal, spermicidal activity etc. Conservation of Acacia auriculiformis is essential via ex situ plantation as the seed germination rate of this plant species has been reported very poor around 20-28%. Clonal multiplication forms an alternative means of propagating elite trees by preserving their desirable characters intact. Cotyledon explants of Acacia auriculiformis were cultured on MS solid and liquid media supplemented with 15% CW, ascorbic acid and different cytokinins like (Δ 2 isopentenyl) adenine, benzylaminopurine and kinetin in varying concentrations for shoot bud regeneration. Among the different PGRs tested, (Δ 2 isopentenyl) adenine (2iP) proved best in terms of the shoot bud regeneration directly from de-embryonated cotyledon. Napthalene acetic acid at lower level combined with various levels of 2iP was applied for differentiation of shoot buds from intermediary callus phase. The response of the explants was always higher in liquid cultures compared to semi-solid medium. More than 90% of the transplanted plants were survived. Transplanted plants showed normal seedling morphology and growth.