MSc

The present investigation was carried out at the Department of Tree Physiology and Breeding, College of Forestry, Vellanikkara, during 1992-94, to standardise the in vitro technique for multiplying Vateria indica which is commonly known as Malabar white pine. This being the first attempt of micropropagation in this tree species, the methodology was to be standardised from the initial stage itself. Nodal and intermodal segments as well as leaf segments collected from seedling maintained in the College of Forestry were used as explants.
Different routes like enhanced release of axillary buds, organogenesis and embryogenesis were attempted for this species. It was found that nodal segments of size 0.5 to 1.5 cm was ideal as the explants. Prophylactic spray of seedlings with a mixture of Bavistin and Indofil M-45 combined with surface sterilization of explants with 0.1 per cent mercuric chloride for 5 minutes for nodal explants and 4 minutes for leaf explants, could control culture contamination to the greatest extent. Seasonal variation was observed for the fungal interference and the period from February to May was identified as the best season for establishing the cultures of Vateria indica. Half strength MS medium was noted to be suitable for primary culture establishment for both nodal and leaf segments. Out of the various growth regulator combinations tried for bud break and shoot elongation in vateria, 2-ip and IBA could support bud break and shoot production. Among the various media additives tried, CCC had less effect on bud break in half MS medium and silver nitrate had moderate effect on bud break in WPM medium. Casein hydrolysate, adenine sulphate, cobalt chloride and coconut water were the other additives, tried without having any beneficial effect on bud culture of Malabar white pine.
Moderate callusing could be induced from leaf and intermodal segments on MS and half strength MS media supplemented with growth regulators 2-ip + 2,4-D (in MS media) and 2-ip + IBA (in half strength MS) with a callus index ranging from 35.7 to 100.0 The calli did not respond to organogenesis but growth units of callus were obtained. The morphology and growth rate varied according to the growth regulator combinations tried.
The results of the present study being first of its kind in Vateria indica would have significance to disentangle the in vitro response of this species for micropropagation. Since this species is recalcitrant in nature, much more regulated efforts are to be made for standardising the protocol for micropropagation of Vateria indica.