In vitro clonal propagation of Cosoinium fenestratum (Gertn.) colebr. (weniwel) through nodal explants

Abstract

An in vitro clonal propagation protocol for Coscinium fenestratum was developed using shoot explants detached from 1-2 year old vines maintained under plant house conditions, by successfully surface sterilising with 0.2 % solution of mercuric chloride for 30 minutes followed by two successive washings with sterilised distilled water. McCowns woody plant medium (WPM) incorporated with 1.0 mgL-1 polyvinylpyrrolidone to minimise browning, was the best medium for establishment of nodal cuttings. Mature double nodal cuttings resulted in the highest shoot proliferation rate (3.90 shoots/explant) when cultured on WPM medium supplemented with 2.0 mgL-1 6-benzylaminopurine, 1.0 mgL-1 thidiazuron and 0.4 mgL-12,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid. Shoots were separated and transferred to WPM medium devoid of plant growth regulators for regeneration into plantlets. The plantlets were successfully acclimatised on coir dust: sand (1:1) potting media with over 60 % survival rate. The results proved that the protocol developed is effective for clonal propagation of C. fenestratum.