Nodal bud culture in Schleichera oleosa: Aspectic culture establishment, explant survival and influence of plant growth regulators

Abstract

Schleichera oleosa (Lour.) Oken, known as Kusum is a multipurpose tree belonging to the family Sapindaceae. Its kernels yield a good quality of oil, young fruits are pickled and its bark, stems and seeds can also be used in curing cancer, tuberculosis etc. In India, the tree has long been prized for its best quality of lac yielding capacity than any other host. Vegetative propagation of S. oleosa remains problematic. Not much success has been obtained in air layering and cutting. Preparation of planting stock in large number is very expensive. Survival rate is also very low. Thus, micropropagation may be of a great help in this situation. No report is available so far on in vitro propagation of this species.