IMPROVED MICROPROPAGATION METHODS FOR TEAK

Abstract

To  meet the projected demand for teak seedlings in India, a micropropagation technique was developed using seeds of clonal seed orchards (CSOs) . A comprehensive method for good shoot multiplication, cost-effective rooting and application to a wide range of genotypes was developed.  Seeds  collected from different clones and cultures were establisherl in MS (Murashige & Skoog) medium supplemented with 22.2 µM benzyladenine (BA) and 11.62 µM kinetin (Kn) . Rapid shoot proliferation was conducted in alternate growth hormone concentrations of 2.22 µp M BA and 1. 16 uM Kn for two subcultures followed by 4.40 µM BA and 2.32 µM Kn for one subculture in MS basal medium. Optimum rooting of 80-100% rooting was achieved using healthy shoots of 4.0 cm and above, treated with 1000 ppm indole-3-butyric acid  (IBA) solution.  Compared with conventional seedlings, where one hectare. of CSO produces planting material for just 1.7  ha, micropropagation could increase planting stock by several folds.