A Novel Approach of Regeneration from Nodal Explants of Field-grown Litchi ( Litchi chinensis Sonn.) Fruit Trees

摘要

In this investigation, multiple shoot formation using nodal explants of 3-4 year old litchi trees is reported which could pave the way for clonal propagation of litchi from identified elite, adult identified trees in future. Multiple shoot formation was obtained on modified Woody Plant Medium. A continuous proliferating shoot culture was established by repeatedly sub-culturing the original nodal explants on shoot multiplication medium after each harvest of newly formed shoots. The shoots were separated and planted on several media for rooting as this is a perpetual problem with many tree species. This was overcome by giving a pulse treatment to the cut ends of microshoots with IBA (100 mM) in MS liquid medium for 15 min. The shoots were implanted on MS semi solid medium supplemented with IBA (20.6 μM) and litchi seed powder (1 g L^-1) for rooting. This novel approach promoted rooting of shoots in vitro . Well established plantlets were successfully transplanted to the nursery after hardening.