Micropropagation of Syzygium densiflorum Wall. ex Wight & arn.: An endemic and endangered semi-evergreen tree species of the Western Ghats, India

Abstract

Syzygium densiflorum Wall. ex Wight & Arn. is one among the vulnerable tree species growing in the selected forest areas of the Western Ghats, India. The habitat of this tree species is being altered due to overexploitation, pressure from exotic weeds, reproductive inefficiency, microbial infection on the leaves and other problems associated. Although, this species has been included under IUCN redlist as Vulnerable (B1+2C). A study has been attempted to develop a micropropagation protocol for Syzygium densiflorum with Woody plant medium, B5 medium and Murashige skoog medium supplemented by various concentrations (0.5–2.5 mg/l) of BAP, Kn, 2,4-D, IAA and IBA alone and various combinations. The highest number of shoots (7.7 ± 0.08) was obtained from nodal explant on woody plant medium containing 1.5 mg/l BAP with 1.5 mg/l IBA achieved. The highest number of roots (3.83±0.53) and root length (3.4 ± 0.05 cm) were obtained in half strength woody plant medium supplemented with 0.5 mg/1 IBA. The rooted plantlets were successfully hardened in the paper cups containing 1:1 ratio of sand and soil and successfully transferred to field condition. About 58.5% of the saplings were survived in the natural condition.