Micropropagation of citrus mitis blanco-multiple bud formation from shoot and root explants in the presence of 6-Benzylaminopurine

Abstract

Different vegetative parts of Citrus mitis seedlings and mature plants were used as explants in culture. Shoots were readily produced from epicotyl, leaf, shoot tip and nodal segments of seedling explants. A high frequency (66-100%) of shoot regeneration was obtained from shoot tip and nodal stem segments of mature plants cultured on medium with or without benzylaminopurine (BAP). Bud induction from roots was examined in 3 systems: (a) intact roots on whole seedlings; (b) intact roots on decapitated (shootless) seedlings; (c) excised roots. The highest yield of buds was obtained from intact roots on whole seedlingx cultured in medium with 0.5 mg 1-1 BAP, from which 275 shoots were obtained from 13 cultures in 9 weeks. Regenerated shoots were rooted in basal medium and the plantlets were successfully transplanted to soil. The role of growth substances on bud formation from roots is discussed. © 1989.