In vitro callus induction protocols of Mesua ferrea (a slow growing medicinal tree) using two type explants & different concentrations of PGRs

Abstract

Young stem and leaf explants of Mesua ferrea were cultured after surface sterilization on woody plant medium (WPM) and Murashige and Skoog’s (MS) medium supplemented with different plant growth regulators (PGRs) cytokinins and auxins, individually and in various combinations. Leaf segments proved to be the best explant for callus induction compared to stem explants. Different treatments were employed for surface sterilization of explants. Stem and leaf segments cultured on WPM and MS medium supplemented with different concentrations of PGRs (1.0 mg/l 2, 4-D with 2.0 or 3.0 mg/l BAP) led to maximum callus induction but induction time was reduced in case of WPM. This is the first successful attempt to establish consistent callus formation protocols from leaf and stem segments of Mesua ferrea. This study may contribute in conservation management of this native plant species found especially in wet zone of Sri Lanka and India.