Direct Multiple Shoot Induction and Plantlet Regeneration from Cotyledonary Explants of Sapindus emarginatus Vahl (Soapnut)

Abstract

Direct Multiple Shoot Induction and Plantlet Regeneration from Cotyledonary Explants of Sapindus emarginatus Vahl (Soapnut) Multiple shoot induction in S. emarginatus has been achieved by two methods: (1) Direct germination of S. emarginatus in vitro cotyledon explants in BAP/Kn/TDZ (1.0-3.0 mg/L) supplemented MS medium and (2) in plant treatment with BAP/Kn/TDZ (3.0 mg/ L) in combination of 1AA (0.5 mg/L) of the cotyledon explants of plants and maintained under sterile conditions. While the former method resulted in as many as (7.5±8.6 shoot buds) from the cotyledonary explants within four weeks, the latter yielded on average approximately 8 shoot buds from each treated node in eight weeks. The cytokinin treatment in plant consisted of placing sterile filter paper moistened with sterile distilled water over the node and adding different concentrations of 6-benzylaminopurine. The best results for shoot bud regeneration were obtained with cotyledons, when cultured in the presence of (0.5 mg/L) IAA in combination with (3.0 mg/L). The shoots elongated and rooted directly in vermiculite after a pulse treatment with IBA (2.5 mg/L) for 15 min. Fungus growth, a serious problem in S. emarginatus tissue culture, was controlled using a fungicide, Bavistin, along with elimination of organic nutrients from the growth medium.