In vitro propagation of white mahang (Macaranga hypoleuca (Reichb.f.et Zoll.) Mull Arg.)

Abstract

White mahang (Macaranga hypoleuca Mull.Arg) is considered as an alternative species for light construction and traditional medicine. In vitro propagation, it has been attempted through series of in vitro propagation protocols, i.e., explant sterilization, shoots multiplication, root induction, and acclimatization using terminal and axillary buds explants. WPM basal medium supplemented by plant growth regulators BAP (cytokinin group), NAA and IBA (auxin group) were used for shoot regeneration studies. Various concentration of BAP (0, 0.5, 1 mg l−1), IBA (0, 0.1, 0.5, 1 mg l−1) and NAA (0, 0.01, 0.05, 0.1 m l−1) were tested for shoot induction and elongation. Interaction between BAP concentration and explant types, both those taken from apex- and axillary- buds showed significant differences for shoot induction and elongation. The highest number of shoots were resulted from the WPM media containing BAP (0.5 mg l−1), while the addition of IBA (0.5-1.0 mg l−1) and NAA (0.01-0.1 mg l−1) combined with BAP (0-1.0 mg l−1) produced a high percentage of callus (> 60%). In vitro, rooting was induced on half-strength MS media supplemented with IBA (1 mg l−1). The regenerated shoots with developed root systems were successfully acclimatized and established in pots containing sand and compost (3:1).