Development of micropropagation protocol for Morus nigra L. (black mulberry) through axillary buds

Abstract

A micropropagation protocol for Morus nigra L. (black mulberry) was developed using axillary buds as explants. Axenic cultures were established using sequential application ofvarious antimicrobial agents viz. carbendazim-50%, cefotaxime, kanamycin, streptocycline and mercuric chloride (HgCl2). Among all the treatments tested, highest shoot induction response was recorded on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 2 mgl-1 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) and 0.2 mgl-1 1-naphthylacetic acid (NAA). During shoot multiplication stage, shoots were best multiplied on MS medium supplemented with 0.2 mgl-1 BAP which produced maximum number of shoots (6.75 ± 0.48) and leaves (29.3 ± 0.85). In vitro developed shoots were successfully rooted on MS medium supplemented with 0.5 mgl-1 Indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) which produced highest number (16.25 ± 0.63) and length(7.30 ± 0.16 cm) of roots. The plantlets with well formed root systems were gradually acclimatized in greenhouse using soil:cocopeat (1:1) and later shifted to polyhouse.