Combined effect of cytokinins on multiple shoot production from cotyledonary node explants of Bauhinia vahlii

Using seedling explants, an improved regeneration protocol was developed for Bauhinia vahlii. A combination of thidiazuron and kinetin (1.0 muM each) increased the number of shoots significantly (p < 0.05) up to four successive subculture cycles. Over 83% shoots rooted on one-fourth strength Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 1.0 muM alpha -naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA). Fifty percent of plantlets (15 No.) successfully acclimatized in 90 g (w/v) soilrite + sand + soil (2:1:1) in the shed house. Preconditioning at different sucrose concentrations prior to acclimatization showed no effect on percent survival but improved plant quality.