In vitro conservation of apical meristem-tip of Melia azedarach L. (Meliaceae) under slow-growth conditions (with 1 table & 2 figures)

Abstract

Studies on in vitro storage of Melia azedarach –“paradise tree”- under

slow-growth conditions were carried out to develop an efficient protocol for the con- servation of the genetic diversity of the crop. The response to different growth re- tardation treatments was examined using clone E. In vitro cultures of apical mer- istem-tips (0.2-0.3 mm in length) could be effectively maintained for 12 months at

4oC on 1⁄4MS basal medium supplemented with 0.5μM BA. Shoot proliferation was observed on 67% of the recovered apical meristem-tips, after 12 months at 4oC. Rooting of the regenerated shoots was achieved by reculturing them on MS + 17.5

μM IBA, during 4 days and subsequently transferred to MS medium lacking growth- regulators for 30 days. Complete plants were successfully transferred to the green- house.