DEVELOPMENT OF NEOLAMARCKIA CADAMBA (KELEMPAYAN) TISSUE CULTURE TECHNIQUES FOR SUSTAINABLE SUPPLY OF PLANTING MATERIALS FOR COMMERCIAL PLANTATION

Neolamarckia cadamba (kelempayan) is a multipurpose and fast growing timber species. The tree is grown for timber, paper-making and as ornamental plant. It is reported that its barks and leaves possesed medicinal values and its flowers are used in perfumes. The species is also known to be suitable for plywood, packing case, toys and short-fibred pulp. Therefore, mass production of high quality planting material of N. cadamba is important to support plantation program of this species. Here we presented mass production of N. cadamba through tissue culture techniques. Nodal segments derived from in vitro germinated seeds were used and induced direct organogenesis to produce shoots and roots using MS media (1962) and plant growth regulators (BAP and IBA) that are relatively cheaper than previously used methods. The tissue culture technique of N. cadamba developed may help in ensuring supply of planting materials that are feasible for commercial plantation purposes.