Massive in vitro Cloning of Sandalwood (Santalum album Linn.) via Cultured Nodal Segments

Nodal segments of sandalwood were cultured on MS medium amended with different plant growth regulators in varying concentrations to search out higher in vitro response leading to plantlet regeneration via somatic embryogenesis and/or organogenesis. Higher proportion of direct somatic embryogenesis, number(s) of somatic embryo per explant and plantlet regeneration via direct organogenesis were recorded on MS medium supplemented with a moderate concentration of TDZ (1.0 mgl-1) in combination with comparatively a lower concentration of NAA (0.5 mgl-1). A relative higher concentration of BAP (1.0-2.0 mgl-1) in combination with a lower concentration of NAA (0.5 mgl-1) promoted frequency of indirect somatic embryogenesis. Ratio of organ formation directly from surface of cultured explants was recovered from culture medium fortified with a higher concentration of BA at the concentration of 4.0 mgl-1 in combination with a lower concentration of NAA (0.5 mgl-1). Maximum plantlets regenerated via somatic embryogenesis (direct and/or indirect) on regeneration medium supplemented with 2.0 mgl-1TDZ in combination with 1.0 mg l-1GA3, while plantlets in higher frequencies via indirect organogenesis was attained with regeneration medium amended with comparatively lower concentration of TDZ (1.0 mg l-1) in combination with 0.5 mgl-1 GA3 and 0.5 mgl-1 NAA. The plantlets were transferred to pots and hardened in Environmental Growth Cabinet and Net House during preliminary weaning period and transferred to field successfully. Morphologically normal plants were recovered.