Micropropagation of Black Locust (Robinia Pseudoacacia L.)

Abstract

Robinia pseudoacacia (black locust) is a commercial species. It is natively distributed in south eastern United States; on the lower slopes of the Appalachian Mountains, with separate outliers north along the slopes and forest edges of southern Illinois, Indiana, and Missouri (http://www.nps.gov/plants/alien/fact/rops1.htm). Black locust is the first forest tree species introduced in Europe from North America. The Parisian Botanical Garden introduced this species already in 1601 (as reviewed by Davis & Keathley, 1987). The species was introduced to Qingdao City of China in 1897 (Pan & You, 1994). Black locust is able to fix atmospheric nitrogen and enrich the soil fertility. The wood is valued for its durability and high fuel value. The tree provides good forage for bees and generally planted on reclaimed drought and barren lands to control erosion. It is also used for ornamental purposes. Moreover, its fast growth rate and great potential for environmental restoration have drawn attention to woody biomass plantation, establishment of energy plantation that would transfer existing traditional forests into energy forests (Rédei, 1999). Black locust is able to fix atmospheric nitrogen and enrich the soil fertility. The wood is valued for its durability and high fuel value. The tree provides good forage for bees and generally planted on reclaimed drought and barren lands to control erosion. It is also used for ornamental purposes. Moreover, its fast growth rate and great potential for environmental restoration have drawn attention to woody biomass plantation, establishment of energy plantation that would transfer existing traditional forests into energy forests.