Hevea Propagation by Microcutting Technique

Abstract

In Hevea brasiliensis the propagation by cutting has not well succeeded. Microcutting technique, in vitro vegetative propagation, expects to be able to over come the problem. Fragments of stem were taken from Hevea seedling, 3-8 months old and were carefully disinfected by soaking for 4 min in 0.5% HgCl₂ and 15 min in 20% Clorox and then rinsing in sterile distilled water 4-5 times. The explants of about 1 cm. in length with one or more axillary buds were subdivided from the stem fragments and cultured on basic medium (MB) containing activated charcoal, sucrose (60 gm/l), plant growth regulators IBA (5 ppm) and BA (10 ppm). Flushing bud could be seen within one week and shoots with normal leaves could obtained one month after culturing. The shoot were then transferred to basal medium excluded growth regulator. After 1-2 months in the new medium, the short produced roots. There were 2 type of roots obtained from this technique, adventitious root and pseudo-taproot. This technique will be more successful when getting the low percentage of contamination and higher percentage of rooting when the explants were collected during the day period.