In vitro propagation of Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides Lam., an endangered African medicinal plant

Abstract Best caulogenesis was observed on full strength Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium compared to ½ MS, ⅓ MS, ¼ MS media or woody plant medium. The best multiplication rate (six shoots per explant) was obtained after eight weeks on MS medium containing 1 mg/L 6-benzylaminopurine (BA) and 2 mg/L indole butyric acid (IBA). Because Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides is naturally recalcitrant to rooting on the different tested culture media, we developed a new medium (called ZZ) that is based on MS medium with a modified macro salts composition. Plant growth on ZZ medium was similar to that observed on MS medium, furthermore 17% of plants rooted. A root response of 100% with a root length of 6 ± 1.8 cm was obtained on ZZ medium containing 0.2 mg/L IBA, 1 mg/L BA and 0.5 g/L activated charcoal. Rooted plantlets were transferred to soil and successfully acclimatized.