XVI International Botanical Congess

Anther-derived callus masses of Azadirachta indica A. Juss. maintained on MS+ 1 mg/l BA+ 0.1 mg/l NAA medium produced embryos (5-6%) after subculturing on MS+0.5 mg/l BA or MS+ 1mg/l BA + 0.1mg/l NAA medium. Azadirachta indica A. Juss. belongs to the family Meliaceae and popularly known as AMargosa@ or ANeem@ tree. Its insecticidal, pesticidal and nematocidal uses in agriculture are well known due to presence of various active principles such as Azadirachtin, meliantriol and salannin. Anthers from 2mm long buds containing uninucleate pollen grains were found most suitable for callus induction. MS and NB basal media alongwith auxins (IAA and NAA) and cytokinins (BA and Kn) produced callus masses in 9-43% cultures. During first subculturing, the callus masses were transferred to MS+1 mg/l BA + 0.1mg/l NAA where profuse callusing and nodulation occurred. Further subculturing of callus masses (i.e. 2nd subculture) on MS+ 0.5 mg/l BA or MS + 1mg/l BA + 0.1 mg/l NAA produced somatic embryos (based on visual observation), at low frequency (in 5-6% cultures) or green leafy shoot buds in some of the cultures. Somatic embryos after subculturing on the same medium produced small shoots. Development of embryos is a forward step to produce artificial seeds of this extremely important medicinal tree.