In vitro propagation of chinar (Platanus orientalis L.) using node and internode explants

The aim of present study was to standardize a micropropagation protocol for Chinar (Platanus orientalis L.) using nodes and internode segments as explant materials. The sterilization treatment with 0.1% mercuric chloride for 10 min showed highest survival percentage in nodal explants (40.2) and internodal explants (51.9). Internodal explants survived sterilant treatment better than nodal explants. For shoot regeneration, MS (Murashige and Skoog medium) medium supplemented with indole butyric acid (IBA) (0.25 mg L^-1), benzyl adenine (BA) (4 mg L^-1) proved best for both nodal and internodal explants. The maximum number of shoots (9.7 explant^-1) greater shoot length (3.9 cm) was obtained from the internodal explants on MS medium supplemented with BA (4 mg L^-1) + IBA (0.25 mg L^-1). MS medium supplemented with IBA (1 mg L^-1) and BA (2 mg L^-1) showed 100% rooting percentage as well as highest number and length of roots (15.7 shoot^-1, 3.7 cm, respectively). The internodal explants showed better response than nodal explant. Rooted plantlets were then transferred to perforated plastic pots containing sterilized mixture of sand and soil (1:1) ratio, and grown in greenhouse. The survival percentage after 4 weeks in greenhouse was recorded as 62.3%.