Efficient in vitro technique for rapid and large-scale multiplication
of elite and desirable plant species is one of the prime
objectives of mass propagation. Shoot multiplication rate is affected
by the number and time interval of subculture (Harris and Mantell,
1991). The effects of subculture on the multiplication rates achieved in culture are known to differ from one species to another. In our study, the fourth subculture was found optimum for shoot multiplication
after which the frequency and number of shoots decreased.
Similar results were recorded in Gardenia jaminoides (George et al.,
1993) and Vitex trifolia (Hiregoudar et al., 2006).