MSc

Studies were conducted for evolving in vitro techniques for the rapid
clonal propagation of bael [ Aegle marmelos CL.) Corr.] during 1999 - 2001 at
Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Centre, College of Agriculture,
Vellayani.
Attempts were made to standardise in vitro propagation techniques of
bael via enhanced release of axillary buds using shoot nodal segments and
cotyledons as explants. Entire cotyledons were used as explants for direct
organogenesis while cotyledons excluding embryoaxes were used for indirect
organogenesis.
Among the explants used for enhanced release of axillary buds,
cotyledons responded better than nodal segments. Cent per cent survival could
be obtained in cultures with cotyledons while a maximum of 50.00 per cent
was obtained in cultures with nodal segments.
Maximum shoot proliferation from nodal segments was obtained on
full strength MS basal medium supplemented with BA 2.50 mgl ", IAA 1.00
mgl ", sucrose 30.00 gr' and agar 8.00 gl'.
The best treatment identified for shoot proliferation from cotyledons
was full strength MS basal medium supplemented with BA 0.50 gl ", GA3 3.00
mgl', adenine sulphate 20.00 mgl", sucrose 50.00 gl' and agar 5.00 gr'.
Maximum initiation of direct organogenesis from cotyledons ( 83.33
per cent ) occurred in two treatments namely, on full strength MS basal

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medium supplemented with BA 0.10 mgl ", "sucrose 30.00 gr', and agar 8.00
gr' and on the same basal medium with BA 0.20 mgl ", sucrose 30.00 gl " and
agar 8.00 gr'. The best treatment identified for highest number of shoots per
culture was full strength MS medium supplemented with BA 0.40 mgl ",
sucrose 30.00 gr' and agar 8.00 gri. Maximum proliferation of shoots on
further subculturing was obtained on full strength MS medium supplemented
with BA 0.20 mgl", IAA 2.00 mgl ", sucrose 30.00 gr' and agar 8.00 gr'.
Direct organogenesis from in vitro root could be best obtained on full strength
MS medium supplemented with BA 0.50 rngl", sucrose 30.00 gr' and agar
8.00 gr'.
The best treatment identified for callus initiation was full strength MS
medium supplemented with BA 0.50 mgl', 2,4-D 0.50 rngl ", sucrose 30.00
gr' and agar 8.00 gr' which recorded the highest callus index (350.00). Ideal
treatment for the maximum proliferation from callus via indirect somatic
organogenesis was found to be full strength MS medium with BA 2.00 rngl ",
IAA 0.50 mgl", sucrose 30.00 gr' and agar 8.00 gr'.
In vitro rooting occurred at its best on full strength MS medium
supplemented with IBA 2.50 mgl ", sucrose 20.00 mgl' and agar 8.00 gr'.
Pre-treatment with IBA 1000.00 ppm for 20 seconds proved to be the best for
ex vitro rooting.
Sand was the ideal potting media for ex vitro establishment.