In vitro multiplication ofVanilla planifolia using axillary bud explants.

A clonal propagation method has been developed for efficient multiplication ofVanilla planifolia. Multiple shoots were developed from axillary bud explants using semi-solid Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with N6-benzyladenine (BA, 2 mg l-1) and α-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA, 1 mg l-1). The multiple shoots were transferred to agitated liquid MS medium with BA at 1 mg l-1 and NAA at 0.5 mg l-1 for 2-3 weeks, and subsequently cultured on semi-solid medium. Using this method, an average of 42 shoots were obtained from a single axillary bud explant over a period of 134 days. Use of an intervening liquid medium has been found to enhance multiplication of shoots inV. planifolia.