Micropropagation of Ocotea porosa (Nees & Martius) Barroso

Abstract

The objective of this work was the establishment of a micropropagation protocol for Ocotea porosa by multiplication of shoots from axillary buds. Different concentration of BAP (0; 2.5; 5 or 10 ìM) or BAP+KIN (0; 1.25; 2.5 or 5 ìM) were investigated to optimize the multiplication. Shoot growth was stimulated with reduced concentration of BAP (0; 0.5; 1 or 1.5 ìM) or KIN (0.5 or 1ìM) or activated charcoal (0.5; 1; 2 or 3 gl-1). For root induction different concentrations of IBA (0; 1.25; 2.5; 5 or 10 ìM) or (0; 2.5; 5 or 10 mM) were applied. The highest mean multiplication rate was observed in the fourth subculture with 5 ìM BAP, reaching 5.3 shoots per explant. The shoots elongated in culture medium supplemented with 2 gl-1 activated charcoal and presented bigger leaves than on medium with reduced concentration of BAP. The shoots rooted on medium contains 10 ìM IBA or after pulse treatment of 10 mM (68.7 and 62.6% of rooting, respectively). The survival rate of the plants was 56.7%. This study showed that O. porosa micropropagation is feasible; however it needs further research in order to increase plant survival.

Key words: 6-Benzylaminopurine, multiplication, rooting, in vitro culture, apical shoots, native specie.