The effect of thidiazuron on axillary shoot proliferation of Hevea brasiliensis in vitro

Abstract

Multiple axillary shoot production with a shoot doubling time of 26 days was obtained from nodal explants of juvenile orgin Hevea brasiliensis on a medium containing thidiazuron (N-phenyl- N'1,2,3-thidiazol-5ylyrea) at 0.02 ppm in combination with NAA at 0.2 ppm. The clusters of axillary buds produced in the presence of thidiazuron were subcultured at 4-week intervals while subdividing into two to four small propagules depending on the size of the cluster. Axillary buds showed a satisfactory elongation on their transfer onto a growth regulator-free medium. Elongated axillary shoots which were more than 100 mm in hight produced roots in the presence of IBA at 2 ppm.