MASS PROPAGATION OF BOUGAINVILLEA SPECTABILIS THROUGH SHOOT TIP CULTURE

A simple and efficient In vitro regeneration protocol for Bougainvillea spectabilis Willd., was developed from shoot tips of 5 year old plants. Shoot tips were surface sterilized and cultured on MS medium supplemented with different concentrations of BAP (0.25 – 2.0mg/l) or Kinetin (0.25 – 2.0mg/l) and NAA (0.1-0.5 mg/l) in combination with BAP (0.25 – 5.0 mg/l). It was observed that BAP (0.25mg/l) combined with 0.1mg/l NAA gave best results where 90 % shoots were developed into plantlets. Best multiple shoot formation was recorded on MS medium supplemented with 1.0mg/l BAP and 250 mg / l glutamine. The regenerated shoots were successfully rooted on half strength MS medium with different concentrations and combinations of auxin. It was observed that 2.5 mg/l NAA combined with 2.5mg/l IBA gave 100 % root induction. The plantlets after weaning and acclimatization were transferred to pots and then to soil for establishment.