Effect of Explant Type and Different Plant Growth Regulators on Callus Induction and Plantlet Regeneration in Citrus jambhiri Lush

Citrus jambhiri (rough lemon) is an important rootstock for a number of Citrus fruit crops including lemons, oranges, grape fruits, kinnows and mandarins. The present study deals with establishment of protocol for micropropagation of C. jambhiri via callus induction and regeneration. Leaf segments, nodal segments and root segments excised from in vitro raised seedlings were used as explants. Maximum callus induction (98.66%) was observed from leaf segments on MS medium supplemented with 2, 4-D (4 mg/L). For nodal segments, maximum callus induction (96%) was observed with 2, 4-D (1 mg/L) and from root segments, it was 48.66 % on MS medium supplemented with 2, 4-D (2 mg/L). Callus raised from leaf segments showed maximum regeneration (57%) with NAA (0.5 mg/L) + BA (1 mg/L) whereas nodal segments showed better regeneration (71.89%) with NAA (0.5 mg/L) + BA (3 mg/L). However, callus from root segments did not regenerate. Regenerated shoots were rooted on MS medium supplemented with different plant growth regulators and best response (71%) was observed with NAA (0.5 mg/L)