In vitro clonal propagation studies on the nodal explants of Psidium cujavillis

Nodal segments of Psidium cujavillis were collected from new growing: shoots in the month of March. Protocols for different stages of in vitro cloning have been developed. The explants were subjected to different sterilization treatments before inoculation on to the establishment medium comprising 5.0 mg l⁻¹ BA and 0.3 mg l⁻¹ IBA. The treatment combinations consisting of exposure of explants to 70% ethanol (30 second) followed by HgCl₂ (0.1%) for 7 minutes showed significantly less microbial contamination. In order to minimize phenol exudation and consequent browning of explants and establishment medium, addition of 200 mg l⁻¹ PVP, a phenol binding agent to the MS media. followed by 2–3 frequent shifting of cultures to fresh media showed substantial reduction in phenolic browning of media and higher survival of explants. Incubation of established culture on MS media supplemented with 3.0 mg l⁻¹ BA and 0.3 mg l⁻¹ IBA resulted In higher shoot proliferation and shoot growth.