By Akaneme, Florence I.
Multiple shoot induction from embryos and shoot tip explants was
investigated as a possible means for inass propagation of Pinus caribaea Mor. Var.
Hondurensis. A mean of eleven (1 1) shoots per embryo was obtained whilc a
mean of 12 and 17 shoots were obtained for one-week old and five-week old
shoot tips respectively. l'he concentration of Benzyllilnino purine (BAP)
influenced bud formation and the development and elongation of s h ~ o t sw ere
enhanced by elimination of BAP, reduction of sucrose concentration as well as the
addition of activated charcoal to the medium. Growth of callus and possible
plantlet regeneration thereof; callus greening, growth habits and anthocyanin
production were also studied by manipulating the hormonal composition of the
medium. Occurrence of callus variarts during subcultures and its ~ncchanism
were also investigated.
Best growth of callus was achieved in Von Arnold and Eriksson, (AE)
(1981) medium containing 2mgl-' NAA alone and also in the interaction 2ingl-'
113A x 0.5mgl~B' AP. Multiple shoot induction was not achieved. However, callus
greening (associated with shoot initialion) was best pronloted by the main effects
of kinetin (5mgl-'); BAP (5mgle') and NAA (2mgl-'). Two forms of callus growth
habits were observed - loose friable and compact calluses. In NAA x kinctin