In vitro Propagation of Ochlandra wightii (Munro) Fisch.: An Endemic Reed of Southern Western Ghats India

• Published in: Biotechnology (Faisalābād, Pakistan) Vol. 11; no. 2; pp. 67 - 73
• Main Authors: Bejoy, M., Anish, N.P., Radhika, B.J., Nair, G.M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 2012
• Subjects: India
• DOI: 10.3923/biotech.2012.67.73
• ISSN: 1682-296X

Ochlandra wightii (Munro) Fisch., an endemic reed bamboo in the Southern Western Ghats has been multiplied using tissue culture techniques. In vitro production of O. wightii plantlets has been achieved by using isolated embryos from mature seeds and nodal segments from in vitro seedlings. Better germination of isolated embryos (85%) was noticed in BAP (6-benzyl amino purine) (0.5 mg L super(-1)) with 1-2 shoots in 30 days. Half-strength MS medium supplemented with BAP (0.5 mg L super(-1)) and TDZ (Thidiazuron) (0.5 mg L super(-1)) enhanced the rate of shoot multiplication to an average of 9.8 shoots in 60 days. Simultaneous development of roots along with shoots was also noticed. Rhizome induction was achieved from 65% of seedling cultures when treated with KN (Kinetin) (1 mg L super(-1)) and higher concentration of sucrose (4%) in 35 days. Multiple shoots were also induced from nodal explants obtained from in vitro seedlings. Average 3.6 shoots were achieved in 40 days when treated with BAP (2 mg L super(-1)) and KN (0.5 mg L super(-1)). Twenty percent of the nodal cultures developed 1-2 roots during shoot development and the rest were rooted in half-strength MS solid medium supplemented with IBA (indole-3-butyric acid) (0.5 mg L super(-1)). Plantlets with healthy roots were hardened and transplanted to the clay pots. They showed 80% survival after 6 months. However, the plantlets with in vitro rhizomes showed 100% survival. Development of new culms and rhizomes were noticed after 3 months of greenhouse growth. Around 880 plantlets could be generated in 9 months from 10 embryos isolated from mature seeds using this protocol.