Factors controlling micropropagation of Myrica esculenta buch. Ham. ex D. Don: a high value wild edible of Kumaun Himalaya

Various factors such as browning, season, media type and plant growth regulators influence the micropropagation of female trees of Myrica esculenta . These factors have successfully been addressed after addition of some media additives, collection of the explant at right season, standardizing the media type and use of plant growth regulators at varying concentrations. Polyvinylpyrollidone (PVP - 0.5%) was found effective for successful partial removal of phenolic compounds and obtaining maximum percent survival of explants. The explant collection season played an important role in reducing phenol induced browning and winter season was found best for explant establishment. The maximum number of shoots (4-5/explant) was obtained in Woody Plant Medium (WPM) supplemented with 10µM kinetin and 0.1µM naphthalene acetic acid (NAA). Of all the media types tried, Woody Plant Medium was found to be the best. Kinetin was found superior to benzyl amino purine and N 6 (γ,γ-dimethylallyamino)purine (2iP) for explant establishment and multiplication. NAA induced rooting to 45.8% of explants in 1/2 strength Woody Plant Medium. However, ex vitro survival percentage was low. Key Words: Browning, in vitro, plant regeneration, tissue culture, woody plant medium. African Journal of Biotechnology Vo l.3(10) 2004: 534-540