The objective of the present work was to establish a micropropagation protocol of Aspidosperma polyneuron from juvenile material. Apical shoots from two years old seedlings were collected in a greenhouse and sterilised with NaOCl or HgCl2 to establish aseptic cultures. Multiple shoots induction was evaluated in WPM medium, supplemented with BAP, ZEA or KIN (2.2 - 8.8 muM) in initial culture and two subsequent subcultures. The elongation of shoots was tested with growth regulators combinations: 2.25 muM of BAP, ZEA or KIN with 1.25 muM of IBA. IBA treatments (2.5; 5.0 and 10 mM) were tested with 5 and 15 minutes to induce roots. Plantlets were planted in a greenhouse. Efficient apical shoots sterilization was achieved with NaOCl (0,25% - 10 minutes) or HgCl2 (0.05%-10 minutes); survival rates were 72.89% and 84,10%, respectively. Apical shoots induced 4-5 axillary buds in WPM culture medium, containing ZEA or BAP (4.4 - 8.8 muM) following two subcultures. Reduced concentrations of ZEA or BAP (2.25 muM), combined with IBA (1.25) produced elongated shoots. IBA treatment (10 mM) during 15 minutes induced higher rooting percentages (80%). Plantlets planted in a greenhouse showed higher survival rates (90%).
In vitro culture; plant propagation; conservation
