In vitro Studies in Litchi chinensis - Effect of Explant and Medium

Abstract

Litchi is a very important fruit of the Indian subcontinent and has a great demand in local and international market. But it is a very troublesome plant to cultivate and the current production rate cannot meet the growing demands of litchi. The in vitro techniques can be used to rapidly increase production. The present study was carried out to develop a rapid micropropagation protocol for litchi by studying the effect of medium and the explant used. The apical bud was found to be the most suitable explant among the four explants used. Out of the nine medium used for the study, MS 1, MS 2 MS 7 and MS 9 were the most effective medium for callogenesis in apical bud. The frequency of callogenesis was more on medium containing 2,4-D in higher concentration and low kinetin and also in medium with higher concentration of kinetin and low 2,4-D.