The Production of Callus, Shoot, and Rooted Plantlets of Rhododendron catawbiense ‘English Roseum’ from Florets

Abstract

The Rhododendron catawbiense (Michx.) varieties ‘Roseum Elegans’ and ‘English Roseum’ are the primary varieties of rhododendron sold in the northeastern United States; however, very little research has been published on their ability to produce shoots, roots, or plantlets in tissue culture. The suitability of two rhododendron varieties (including ‘English Roseum’) was examined using two different combinations of cytokinin and auxin in Anderson's rhododendron medium. It was determined that the variety ‘Scintillation’ performed poorly regardless of the media conditions used; however, ‘English Roseum’ produced callus and shoots using Anderson's medium and 4.0 mg·L− 1 IAA and 15 mg·L− 1 2iP. Rooted plantlets were produced using a rooting medium containing Anderson's medium and 4 mg·L− 1 NAA. The ability of ‘English Roseum’ to produce 35% successful plantlets under these conditions suggests that this variety is moderately suitable for micropropagation purposes.