Micropropagation of pest resistant genotypes of Milicia spp(Iroko) in Ghana

The main constraint to the sustainability of Milicia spp(Iroko) has been susceptibility of seedlings to attack of Phytolyma lata. The objective of this study was to develop a suitable protocol for micro-propagation of Milicia species using locally prepared medium. Selected resistant genotypes to the pest were therefore propagated through in-vitro tissue culture at the biotechnology laboratory of CSIR-Forestry Research institute of Ghana located in Kumasi, Ghana. Axillary buds were cultured using both commercial premix MS medium and locally prepared growth medium following the MS protocol. Thirty per cent of domestic bleach (containing 3% Sodium hypochlorite) was found to be the optimum concentration for surface sterilization of explants. Even though shoot growth occurred on explants cultured in hormone free media, addition of growth hormones (Indole-3 butyric acid (IBA) and N6Benzylaminopurine (BAP)) enhanced shoot growth with an optimum concentration being 0.08 mg/l IBA + 0.6 mg/l BApRoots were successfully induced on explants grown in media supplemented with 4 and 5 mg/l IBA, with 5 mg/l IBA being the optimum concentration. Explants grown in media supplemented with less than 4 mg/l IBA and higher than 5 mg/l IBA failed to produce roots. A comparison of growth of explants cultured on locally-prepared and commercial pre-mix media showed no significant difference (P > 0.05), although the percentage shoot development on commercial pre-mix media was slightly higher than locally prepared media. It was concluded that Milicia sppcan be propagated in vitro using locally prepared media following the MS protocol.