In-vitro establishment, germination and growth performance of Red Sandalwood ( Pterocarpus santalinus L.)

Abstract

The effect of different storage times and culture conditions on in vitro germination was studied by culturing the seeds on hormone-free MS, Anderson, Vitis and Woody Plant media with (1 g/litre) and without activated charcoal. To study in vitro growth performance of red sandalwood seedlings, germinated seeds were cultured on hormone-free MS, Anderson, and Woody Plant Media at full strength, incorporated with 1 g/litre of activated charcoal. Suitable sterilization procedure was also selected. Dipping pods in 0.1{%} HgCl2 for 15 minutes was the most suitable surface sterilization procedure. Seeds obtained from pods with {>}4 cm in diameter showed a significantly higher germination (90{%}) ability. Seeds cultured within one week of harvest showed the highest germination (96{%}) and shortest germination time (6 days). Germination percentage was significantly higher (92{%}) in Anderson medium (without charcoal) and lower germinations were recorded with other three media. Seeds cultured on Anderson, Vitis and Woody plant media took almost 6-8 days for germination. Seeds cultured on Vitis medium (with charcoal) showed the longest hypocotyl length (13.8 mm), while highest plant height (9.9 cm) and number of nodes (7 nodes per shoot) were recorded for seedlings in Woody plant medium. Leaf formation was optimum in Woody plant medium, and the average leaf diameter was 10.8 mm. The highest mean score for the appearance of the plant was recorded in Woody plant medium (3.8). Therefore, Anderson medium was suited for in vitro establishment of red sandalwood seeds. However, after seed germination, for further growth of seedlings, germinated seeds should be transferred to Anderson medium incorporated with 1 g/litre of activated charcoal.