In vitro regeneration of Bambusa balcooa Roxb.:: Factors affecting changes of morphogenetic competence in the axillary buds

Axillary buds from field-grown culms of Bambusa balcooa were used as explants to induce multiple shoots in liquid Murashige and Skoog's (MS) medium supplemented with 11.25 mu M of 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) and 4.5 mu M kinetin (Kn). A clump of at least 3 shoots was used for root induction in half strength MS medium with 1.0 mu M of 3-indolebutyric acid (IBA). Morphogenetic competence of the axillary buds varied widely in different months of two consecutive calendar years. The highest morphogenetic potentials were observed in October. The major problem encountered was presence of systemic fungal contaminants. Perhaps, rainfall positively contributed to induce morphogenetic competence. A moderately high phenolic content of the nodal explant was also detrimental for in vitro morphogenesis. The morphogenetic competence of B. balcooa correlated with the season in which the explants were excised from the natural stands. To the best Of Our knowledge this is the first report on in vitro regeneration of B. balcooa from mature field-grown axillary buds.