MICROPROPAGATION OF RHODODENDRON KEISKEI VAR. HYPOGLAUCUM SUTO & SUZUKI AND ASSESSMENT OF CLONAL FIDELITY OF PLANTLETS BY RAPD

Abstract

An efficient reproducible protocol has been developed for in vitro propagation of Rhododendron keiskei var. hypoglaucum. Nodal explants were cultured on Anderson basal nutrients (AM) medium supplemented with different concentrations and combinations of plant growth regulators for axillary shoot proliferation. The highest percentage of shoot induction (96%) was achieved when nodal explants were cultured on AM medium supplemented with 2.0 mg l(-1) 2iP, 0.5 mg l(-1) IAA, and 1.0 mg l(-1) GA(3) with a mean of 16 shoots per explant. Individual shoots, which were grown to about 2-3 cm long, were transferred onto a full- or half-strength AM medium with 0, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0 or 4.0 mg l(-1) IBA or NAA for rooting. The highest percentage of rooting (100%), with maximum number of 7.6 roots per shoot and the greatest root length (4.4 cm) were obtained on the half-strength AM medium supplemented with 0.5 mg l(-1) IBA. Random amplified polymorphic DNA analysis confirmed that the regenerated plantlets were genetically identical to their donor plant.