Callus Induction Protocol for Aegle marmelos (L.) Corr. (Beli) through Seeds Explants

Abstract

Aegle marmelos (L.) Corr. commonly known as 'beli' in Sri Lanka is an important fruit tree with extensive medicinal properties. Roots and shoots being vital parts of indigenous medicine, destructive harvesting poses a serious threat to the sustenance of this plant. Though this plant is conventionally propagated by seeds and root suckers, the efficiency of these methods is not sufficient. Therefore, this study aimed to develop an effective protocol for callus induction for Aegle marmelos. Seeds were sterilized with 5% Clorox bleach (5.25% sodium hypochlorite as the active ingredient) for 5 minutes and established in Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with various concentration and combinations of BAP (0.5 mgL- 1, 1 mgL- 1, 0.5 mgL- 1) and 2,4-D(1 mgL- 1 , 2 mgL- 1). The study was arranged according to the Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with five replicates. The growth and colour of callus were recorded accordingly. No significant difference (p S 0.05) was observed within treatments used for callus induction from Aegle marmelos. Hence, callus can be generated from combination of 0.5 mgL-1 to 1.5 mgL- 1 BAP and 1 mgL-1 to 2 mgL-12, 4-D.The findings of the study can be used for future in-vitro propagation studies of Aegle marmelos.