Regeneration of plants via adventitious bud formation from mature zygotic embryo axis of tamarind (Tamarindus indica L.)

A protocol for in vitro regeneration of plants via adventitious bud formation from mature embryo axis of tamarind (Tamarindus indica L,) was standardized. Explants consisting of longitudinal section of embryo axis with attached cotyledon were cultured in the Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium with various combinations and concentrations of alpha-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA), 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) and sucrose. Induction of adventitious shoot buds was achieved in the cut surface of the axis when cultured in a medium containing 2.69 mu M NAA, 44.39 mu M BAP and 4% sucrose. A medium consisting of 0.91 mu M zeatin, 2.22 mu M BAP, 0.41 mu M calcium pantothenate and 0.40 mu M biotin supported the differentiation of the buds to form elongated shoots. The shoots developed roots in a half strength MS medium with 2% sucrose following a 72 h treatment with auxin, mixture in the dark. On transfer to soil 24 plants survived.