Clonal propagation and production of genetically uniform regenerants from axillary meristems of adult bamboo

The axillary bud-break and multiple bud induction were obtained from the nodal explants of field-grown culms of Bambusa tulda in liquid Murashige and Skoog's (MS) basal medium supplemented with 2.0 mg I-1 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP), 1.0 mg I-1 kinetin (Kn) and 8% coconut water. Multiple shoots regenerated and proliferated in the liquid MS medium fortified with 3.0 mg I-1 indolebutyric acid (IBA). While, in B. balcooa, MS medium supplemented with 2.5 mg I-1 BAP and 1.0 mg I-1 Kn induced axillary bud-break, bud multiplication and subsequently shoot elongation was obtained after three passages in the same medium. A clump with at least three shoots of both these bamboo species was used as propagule for successful root induction in half-strength MS liquid basal medium supplemented with 0.2 mg I-1 IBA. Sympodial type of microrhizomes developed in B. tulda and the regenerants acclimatized in the soil easily. Explants collected in the month of October produced best in vitro regeneration response in these two bamboo species. Endogenous phenol content proved detrimental for efficient shoot regeneration. The clonal fidelity of the regenerants was established by RAPID analysis advocating clonal propagation through axillary meristem culture of B. balcooa and B. tulda is reliable for commercial exploitation.