An assessment for in vitro propagation and genetic stability of Phoebe goalparensis Hutchinson, an endemic valuable timber tree of North East India

Background: Phoebe goalparensis is an endemic forest species of North East India that belongs to Lauraceae family. P. goalparensis is used as timbers yielding plants for commercial importance in the local furniture markets of North East India. A rapid in vitro micropropagation protocol was established by using apical and axillary shoot tips on Murashige and Skoog medium with varied concentrations of plant growth regulators.

Results: In this study, 5.0 mg/l BAP augmented medium was chosen as the best for shoot multiplication of the plant. However, IBA (2.0 mg/l) was the most responsive for root induction. Moreover, 70% of root induction was recorded during rooting experiment and 80-85% survivability was observed during the acclimatization of this species. Clonal fidelity of P. goalparensis was determined with ISSR marker and it was observed that in vitro raised plantlets were polymonomorphic.

Conclusion: Hence, an efficient protocol with high proliferation and rooting was established for P. Goalparensis that could aid in massive propagation in future.