Efficient regeneration of Psidium spp. For in vitro screening of wilt resistant rootstock

Guava w ilt is a serious problem in its cultivation. Wilting of young and adult trees has caused enormous damage to the standing crop and orchards. The source of resistance to the particular disease is not reported within the commercial varieties. How ever, some of its wild relatives like P. molle, P. chinensis, P. friedrichshthalianum, P. cattlianum and P. guineense have been recorded escaping the disease. Thus, an easy strategy was evolved to screen and develop wilt resistant plants, which can be used as eff icient rootstocks. The possibility to perform such a selection strategy under in vitro conditions depends largely upon availability of eff icient regeneration and clonal propagation system. No earlier reports are available on the micropropagation technique for these Psidium spp. Our study has indicated the importance of seasonal influence and media constituents on in vitro proliferation of the nodal buds. Rooting of the micro shoots was attempted and good success was achieved.