European Journal of Biotechnology and Bioscience

Authors
SM Siva, T Amutha Priya, P Balasubramanian, V Manimekalai, P Ravichandran

Abstract
Elaeocarpus blascoi Weibel. A relative species of Rudraksha, of Elaeocarpaceae is an endemic and endangered evergreen forest treernfrom Palni hills, Southern Western Ghats. In vitro regeneration protocol from nodal segments of E. blascoi for clonal propagationrnwas developed by employing different tissue culture media. Woody plant medium (WPM) was found to be suitable for E. blascoirnshoot multiplication and regenerations. Phenolic secretion makes the explants recalcitrant and was overcome by supplement of 0.rn3% charcoal / 0.5% polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). Nodal segments were cultured in WPM medium supplemented with cytokininsrnincluding Thidiazuron (TDZ), 6-Benzylaminopurine (BAP), and Kinetin (KIN). Among the three plant growth regulators, TDZrninduced multiple shoots. Shoot elongation was achieved by addition of 10 mg/l silver nitrate in the shoot elongation medium, and anrnaverage of 6 ± 0.47 shoots are produced per explants. The regenerated micro shoots were subsequently rooted in half-strength WPMrnsupplemented with 2 mg/l Indole -3 Butyric Acid (IBA). Thus the protocol developed is utilised for successful conservation of thernIUCN red listed species E. blascoi.