Abstract
The present study describes a direct shoot regeneration-based micropropagation procedure for Vanilla planifolia. Two types of explant (i.e. shoot apex and stem nodal segment) were screened for their shoot induction potential following a three-month treatment with 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) and α-Naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA). Results indicated that the shoot apices were poor candidates for shoot induction whereas the stem nodal segments showed potential for shoot initiation at a rate of up to 6 shoots/explant. Stem nodal segments were the most responsive as shoots formed (55 shoots) directly following treatments with 1 mg/L BAP at half strength MS medium after the third subculture. In addition, more shoots were produced on solid medium treatments compared to the liquid medium treatments in two strengths of mediums tested. Regenerated plantlets derived from the 1 mg/L of BAP treatment were induced to root following a one month culture in growth regulator-free MS medium. There was 90% survival rate of the rooted plantlets after acclimatization in the greenhouse. The findings in the present study would be helpful for large-scale mass propagation of Vanilla planifolia using this simple and efficient protocol.
Highlights
Vanilla planifolia, a species of vanilla orchid, is grown for its fruit which yields the vanilla flavour used in foods and beverages [1]
The findings in the present study would be helpful for large-scale mass propagation of Vanilla planifolia using this simple and efficient protocol
Different types of explants were cultured on MS media supplemented with different concentrations of BAP to evaluate their effect on shoot production at the initiation stage
Summary
A species of vanilla orchid, is grown for its fruit which yields the vanilla flavour used in foods and beverages [1]. The pure vanilla extract world market is dominated by Madagascar and Indonesia. Vanilla is propagated by the conventional method, i.e. using stem-cuttings. This method of propagation is inefficient, time-consuming and uneconomical [3,4,5]. The technology is used to meet market demand for vanilla, and to overcome difficulties in alternative methods of propagation. Even though few reports are available on in vitro propagation of vanilla, most of the protocols are complicated and utilise coconut water [3,10,11]. As coconut water is currently in demand in the market, it has become too expensive to use in the propagation of vanilla in Malaysia.
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