Micropropagation of Mulberry (Morus alba L.) Through In vitro Culture of Shoot tip and Nodal Explants

Abstract

A high frequency of sprouting (80%) from nodal- and (70%) from shoot tip explants and shoot differentiation was observed in the primary cultures of Morus alba L. on MS medium supplemented with BAP and Kn. In vitro proliferated shoots were multiplied rapidly by culture of shoot tips and nodal explants on MS with BAP (2 mg/l) and NAA (0.2 mg/l) as supplements. This combination proved best for multiple shoot formation. Multiplication was also achieved by culture of both the kinds of explants on MS fortified with BAP (2 mg/l) + NAA (0.2 mg/l) + aspargine (25 mg/l) + glutamine (1 mg/l). This medium facilitated the elongation of shoots and sprouting of axillary buds of in vitro grown shoots. About 80% rooting was obtained from shoots cultured on the MS supplemented with NAA (1.0 mg/l). Plants with well developed roots were transferred to soil with survival frequency of 70%.