ABSTRACT
An efficient protocol for micropropagation of Rhododendron leptocarpum Nutt., has been standardized using nodal segment explants. Among various tested media combinations, Anderson’s Medium (AM) supplemented with 5 µM 2-isopentenyladenine (2-iP) induced the highest multiple shoot proliferation from the explants. On AM + 2-iP (5 µM), an average of 5.00 shoots per explants were proliferated within 5 weeks in 85 % cultures. The shoots grew well and each shoot has attained an average height of 3.1 cm. Regenerated shoots rooted spontaneously with 100 % frequency in AM-liquid medium supplemented with IBA (Indole-3-Butyric Acid). In vitro grown plantlets were acclimatized successfully with 87 % survivability. The present study, thus, provides a fast, efficient technique for repetitive multiplication of R. leptocarpum without damaging its natural populations. This method can be used for large scale propagation and conservation of this ecologically and economically important threatened species.
