In vitro Shoot Regeneration of Rhododendron anthopogon D.Don from Seed Derived Callus and Acclimatization of in vitro Raised Plantlets using Mycorrhizal Inoculum

Rhododendron anthopogon D. Don belongs to family Ericaceae, is an ornamental and medicinal plant which is commonly known as ‘Talisfer’ in Kashmir. Rhododendron anthopogon is globally distributed. It grows in the Himalayan range across Pakistan, India, Nepal and Bhutan between an altitudinal range of 3000-4800m asl. Within India, it has been found in Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh. During the present study, in vitro shoot regeneration has been achieved from callus obtained from seed explants. The seeds were inoculated on Woody Plant Medium supplemented with different concentrations of 2,4-D. Maximum callus production was observed on Woody Plant Medium supplemented with 2,4-D (1mg/l) within 35 days of culture with a percent response of 70%. Among different cytokinin -cytokinin combinations used, 2ip (3mg/l) + TDZ (4mg/l) gave best results with the production of maximum mean number (4.6±0.3) of shoots. The in vitro raised plantlets were first acclimatized using cocopeat & perlite having different ratios as well as garden soil under greenhouse conditions. In addition, mycorrhizal status of Rhododendron anthopogon was confirmed under compound microscope and later mycorrhizal inoculum was prepared. Lastly, micro-propagated plantlets inoculated with mycorrhizal inoculum were acclimatized under greenhouse conditions.

Iram Ashraf Qazi*1, Zahoor Ahmad Kaloo2, Jasfeeda Qadir3 and Shabeena Yaseen4 Click here to download file

Research Article | Published online : 08-Apr-2021