MICROPROPAGATION OF HEDERA HELIX L. 'MINI'

An efficient protocol for in vitro propagation of Hedera helix 'Mini' is described through axillary shoot multiplication. Node and shoot tip explants were placed on the MS medium supplemented with different concentrations of TDZ alone or in a combination with 0.1 mg l(-1) NAA, and were cultured under a 16 h photoperiod (10 or 45 mu mol m(2) s(-1)). Among the two explants, node was found to be the most effective explant for axillary shoot proliferation. The greatest number of shoots was obtained when nodal explants were cultured on the MS medium with 0.5 mg l(-1) TDZ and 0.1 mg l(-1) NAA. The growth and shoot induction were significantly affected by TDZ treatment. Photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) had the greatest effect on the chlorophyll content. The greatest chlorophyll content was recorded when the plants were cultured under of 10 mu mol m(-2) s(-1) PPFD. Regenerated shoots produced the highest number of roots when transferred to half strength MS medium with 1.0 mg l(-1) IBA. The rooted plantlets were acclimatized in a greenhouse with 100% survival rate.