Micropropagation of the giant bamboo ( Dendrocalamus giganteus Munro) from nodal explants of field grown culms

Abstract

Propagules of Dendrocalamus giganteus were produced by a process of in vitro axillary shoot proliferation followed by rooting. Axillary bud break and the presence of culture contaminants in single-node segments of secondary branches were strongly influenced by the seasonal rainfall pattern. Cultures of axillary shoots were initiated during peak bud-break periods in a semi-solid MS medium with 2 mg l −1 benzylaminopurine (BAP), 0.1 mg l −1 kinetin and l g l −1 Benlate (benomyl). Continuous shoot proliferation for a period of 1 year was achieved in a liquid MS medium with 6 mg l −1 BAP, 0.1 mg l −1 kinetin and 8% (v/v) coconut water. Shoot proliferation at a 1.8-fold increase in shoot number every 13 days took place after a lag phase of 65 days. Shoots (77.5%) rooted when transferred from the shoot proliferation medium containing 3 mg l −1 indole butyric acid in the last two passages, to a rooting medium with MS modified to half strength major salts, 3 mg l −1 IBA and 10 mg l −1 coumarin. After a period of in vitro hardening the propagules were transferred to soil.