Successful shoot regeneration of Dendrobium nobile was achieved using thin shoot tip
sections and triacontanol (TRIA) for the first time. Protocorm-like bodies (PLBs) or
proliferating shoot buds were observed when thin shoot tip sections were cultured on
the basal medium of Mitra et al. (Indian J. Exp. Biol. 14 (1976) 350) supplemented
with 4.0 mg L1 TRIA. The highest percentage of explants (93%) produced PLBs or
proliferating shoot buds (21) at 4.0 mg L1 TRIA-supplemented basal medium. All the
newly formed PLBs or proliferating shoot buds survived and ultimately produced
healthy shoots with 2–3 leaves. Shoots produced roots when cultured on basal medium
supplemented with 2.0 mg L1 TRIA. The well-rooted shoots were transferred to pots
containing charcoal chips, coconut husk and broken tiles (2:2:1), and a 92% survival
rate was achieved. This work reveals that TRIA can be used as an effective growth
regulator in the micropropagation and conservation of D. nobile.
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