<span style="font-size:13.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"" lang="EN-US">Callus induction and plant regeneration from leaf explants of jojoba <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight:bold">[<i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Simmondsia chinensis </i>(Link) Schneider]<b><span style="font-size: 13.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language:SV" lang="SV"></span></b> </span></span>

Abstract

An<i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"> </i>efficient micropropagation protocol involving callus induction and shoot regeneration has been standardized in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Simmondsia chinensis</i>, an oil yielding, medicinal and multi-purpose plant species. Higher percent of callus proliferation (97.3%) was obtained from leaf explants, taken from field grown mature plant, when cultured on MS medium supplemented with 2,4-D (2.0 mg L^-1)+BAP (0.5 mg L^-1)+CH (100 mg L^-1) within 20-22 d of inoculation. The callus was yellowish green in colour and soft in texture. Further, optimum shoot regeneration was obtained from the leaf derived callus on MS medium fortified with BAP (2.0 mg L^-1)+NAA (0.5 mg L^-1)+GA₃ (0.3 mg L^-1). About 92% cultures responded with an average number of 9.1 shoots per culture. The shoots obtained <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">via</i> callogenesis were rooted on half-strength agar-solidified MS medium supplemented with IBA (1.0 or 2.5 mg L^-1). The medium containing 2.5 mg L^-1 IBA was the best for rooting of shoots. The rooted shoots were transplanted to soil with 75% success. The protocol will be of immense importance in rapid mass multiplication of elite germplasm, as well as for conservation of this important species.