A rapid in vitro morphogenesis and acclimatization protocol for Balanites aegyptiaca (L) Del -: a medicinally important xerophytic tree

The callus mediated regeneration system for Balanites aegyptiaca (L) Del is reported here. Different explants like apical buds, young thorns and cotyledon pieces from mature tree and root segments from in vitro raised seedlings were used for callus induction on MS medium supplemented with 2.23 mu M 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid. Seven to eight weeks old calli were transferred on hormone free MS medium in order to get regeneration. Shoot morphogenesis was achieved only from cotyledon-derived callus. The shoots so produced rooted well, when cultured on B5 medium supplemented with 9.84 mu M Indole-3-butyric acid. Plantlets have been transferred to the field after two-phase hardening and are performing well.