Application of biotechnology for improvement of the Australian ornamental plant, Pandorea

Abstract

© 2002 Dr. Latha Sowbhagya KancherlaThe ornamental plant, Pandorea, is an enchanting garden plant that is suitable to grow in a variety of gardens. Vivid flowers, shiny leaves and vigorous growth make this vine fit well in landscapes as well as home gardens. The present study was aimed at the expansion of Pandorea ornamental attributes further, with different breeding methods to uplift the eminence of this plant in the ornamental plant industry. Biotechnological methods were effectively used as tools to improve this ornamental plant. In vitro propagation is a basic requirement for several biotechnological applications on Pandorea. In the present study, in vitro micropropatation of Pandorea was achieved through node culture. Nodal explants cultured in Murashige and Skoog medium containing benzyladenine (2 mg 1 -1) and kinetin (1 mg 1 -1) was effective for P. pandorana and P. jasminoides propagation respectively. Indole Butyric Acid from 0.5 to 1 mg 1-1 was required to initiate roots in vitro. In vitro regeneration is essential for gene transformation studies. Shoot regeneration of Pandorea was achieved using nodal explants and cotyledonary explants for P. pandorana and P. jasminoides respectively. (Part abstract