In vitro multiplication ofVanilla planifolia using axillary bud explants.

Area of Science:

• Plant Biotechnology
• Horticultural Science
• Plant Tissue Culture

Background:

• Vanilla planifolia is a commercially important orchid species.
• Efficient clonal propagation is crucial for meeting market demand and conserving genetic resources.
• Traditional propagation methods can be slow and inefficient.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an efficient and scalable clonal propagation protocol for Vanilla planifolia.
• To optimize plant growth regulator concentrations for shoot multiplication.
• To evaluate the efficacy of an intervening liquid culture phase.

Main Methods:

• Axillary bud explants were cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium with N6-benzyladenine (BA) and α-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA).
• Multiple shoots were induced and then transferred to an agitated liquid MS medium with modified hormone concentrations.
• Subsequent culture on semi-solid medium facilitated further development.

Main Results:

• An average of 42 shoots were obtained from a single axillary bud explant within 134 days.
• The use of an intervening agitated liquid medium significantly enhanced shoot multiplication rates.
• Optimized concentrations of BA and NAA were identified for different culture stages.

Conclusions:

• The developed protocol provides an efficient method for mass propagation of Vanilla planifolia.
• Incorporating a liquid culture phase is key to improving shoot proliferation in this species.
• This technique can support the commercial cultivation and conservation efforts for Vanilla planifolia.