In vitroregeneration ofCinnamomum tamalaNees from cotyledonary segments

Abstract

Cinnamomum tamala Nees., a valuable spice-yielding plant of Himalaya, is vulnerable in its natural habitat due to its over-collection for spice and medicinal purpose. In the present study, a successful attempt was made for in vitro shoot bud induction from cotyledons and plant regeneration. The cultured cotyledons of 10–11 wk after flowering induced meristematic response within 4–5 wk of culture where ∼43% explants responded positively on MS medium for tified with 3% sucrose, polyvinyl pyrollidone (100mgL−1) and 6 μM benzyl adenine wherein ∼5–6 shoot buds developed cotyledon−1. Themicro-shoots/shoot buds, developed on initiationmedium, were maintained on MS medium fortified with 3% sucrose and 3 μM kinetin where shoot buds converted into plantlets and supported culture proliferation. Shoots (4 cm long) with fully open leaves were rooted by maintaining on MS medium enriched with 3 μM α-naphthalene acetic acid where 5–6 roots developed per micro-shoot. The rooted plants were transferred to potting mix and maintained in agro-shade ca75% shading where ∼65% transplants survived after two months of transfer.