Callus induction in meliacea exotics (Khaya nyasica Stapf y Toona ciliata)

Abstract

Meliaceas are very important for the programs of construction and furniture production, among other applications. Khaya nyasica is a Meliacea originally from Africa, as African Caoba. Toona ciliata is a Meliacea originally from Himalayan Region, known in Cuba as Cedro of Himalayan. Natural regeneration in these species occur by seed and grafting. These sorts of propagation are limited, when it is wished to introduced these species in the production. The objective of this paper was to provide callus formation in Toona ciliata for in vitro propagation. Mature trees of 20 year in Khaya nyasica and of 2-3 years in Toona ciliata were used. In order to use rachis of young branchesthese these plantsthey were disinfected with same protocol reported for another Meliaceas and they were established in the tissue medium MS + 0-1 mg.l-1 Thidiazuron. Nodular calli with good morphogenic characteristicwere obtained, in the explants the calli formation began by cut ends. The shoots were achieved in darkness and plants regeneration in light in Toona ciliata. Key words: callus, Caoba African, Cedro of Himalayan, plants regeneration, Thidiazuron