Synthetic seeds production and germination studies,for short term storage and long distance transport of Erythrina variegata L.: A multipurpose tree legume

Abstract One of the major constrain in vegetative propagation of Erythrina vareigata is the inability of long distance transport of its propagules. Limited availability of the elite genotypes apprehends the utility of the species, for industrial use and ecological improvement. Therefore, we have developed an efficient method for its synseeds production by encapsulation of nodal segments in sodium alginate matrix. The regeneration potential of the somatic tissue was sustained upto 12 weeks of storage at 4 °C. Different germination procedures were standardized to suite different objectives. Multiple shoots were obtained on Murashige and Skoog’s medium (MS) + 6-benzyladenine (BA) + 1-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) while, synseeds germinated with both roots and shoot on MS + BA+ Indole-3-butyric acid (IBA). Plantlets were also recovered from synseeds on Soilrite media. Ex vitro rooting was induced in micro-shoots by an IBA (250 μM) pulse treatment. Inter-Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR) markers were used for characterization of the regenerants. The ramets were successfully recovered from the synseeds without any genetic adulterations. The plantlets were successfully transferred to the natural field condition within 6 weeks of germination.