Micropropagation of hawthorn (Crataegus oxyacantha Linn.) through shoot tip culture

Mass propagation of hawthorn was attempted by in-vitro shoot tip culture. Spring collection of 1.0 cm long shoot tips and surface sterilization with 70 per cent ethanol for 30 seconds followed by 0.1% HgCI₂ and 10% NaOCl each for four minutes was suitable for culturing in MS medium supplemented with 2.0 mg I⁻¹ BA and 0.02 mg 1⁻¹ IBA for higher shoot proliferation. Rooting in microcutting was maximum when cultured in half-strength MS medium with 0.2 mg 1⁻¹ IBA and 0.2 mg I⁻¹ NAA. Number of primary and secondary roots were also higher in this treatment.