DIRECT SHOOT BUD FORMATION FROM LEAF EXPLANTS OF SEEDLINGS AND MATURE MANGOSTEEN (GARCINIA-MANGOSTANA L) TREES

This paper reports the direct regeneration of shoot buds from leaf segments of mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana L.) cultured in vitro. Explants were taken from 1-3-year-old seedlings and 16 year-old mature fruiting trees. The optimal level of benzylaminopurine (BAP) for shoot bud development from seedling leaf explants was 5 mg l-1. Higher concentrations were also effective but shoot buds were clustered and stunted. Very young red leaves, 2-3 cm long, from mature trees also produced shoot buds on this medium. When leaves from mature trees that had turned from red to green were used, the frequency of shoot bud formation decreased. The number of vegetative buds was higher in red leaves from seedlings compared with young red leaves from mature trees. Secondary shoot buds also developed on leaves of cultured epiphyllous shoots from both seedlings and mature trees. Shoots from leaves of seedlings and mature trees, measuring more than 2 cm were rooted with an acute auxin treatment. Plantlets from seedling leaf explants were successfully acclimatised and established in soil. © 1990.