Abstract

Clonal propagation via multiple shoot induction, direct organogenesis and regeneration through callus were established in Calamus andamanicus, C. thwaitesii and C. pseudotenuis. Embryos and explants of the collar region of seedlings of all 3 species produced multiple shoots on a medium consisting of the minerals and vitamins of Murashige and Skoog's medium (MS) and 20 g/l of sucrose supplemented with 0. 1-1 mg/l of 2, 4-D and 1-10 mg/l BAP [benzyladenine] or kinetin. Leaf explants of C. andamanicus cultured on MS supplemented with 3-10 mg/l kinetin showed direct organogenesis from the base after 4-5 weeks of culture. Embryo explants of all 3 species cultured on MS supplemented with 3-8 mg/l of 2, 4-D or NAA produced callus in 20-30 days which when transferred to a medium containing 3-5 mg/l of the auxin along with 1-8 mg/l BAP or kinetin, developed shoot buds. The regenerated shoots could be rooted in MS supplemented with 0. 5-2 mg/l of IBA. Plantlets were transferred to soil