In Vitro Regeneration of Pongamia pinnata Pierre

Abstract

Pongamia pinnata Pierre is a tree legume, having potential in production of raw material for biodiesel. A protocol for in vitro propagation of this plant was standardized using seedling explants. Growth regulators (GR) including gibberellic acid (GA₃), N∨6-benzylaminopurine(BA), thidiazuron (TDZ), and Adenine sulphate (Ads) were tested for optimum germination of seeds. Removal of seed coat prior to germination, controlled fungal growth partially but enhanced bacterial growth. Antibiotic cefotaxime was ineffective in controlling bacterial contamination.