In vitro clonal propagation of the neem tree (Azadirachta indica A. Juss.)

A study was conducted with root and shoot tip explants of neem to develop an efficient protocol of regeneration. Shoot tips and root tips from 10 - 20 days old seedlings of neem were cultured on Murashige and Skoog's (MS) medium supplemented with different concentrations and combinations of BAP (0.0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5 and 0.6 mg l super(-1)) and NAA (0.0 and 0.05 mg l super(-1)). Shoot buds were initiated from the both explants. The highest percentage of regeneration was found from shoot tip but the highest average number of shoots/explants was found from root tip explants. The regenerated shoots were further subcultured and later could be rooted on a medium supplemented with different concentrations and combinations of IBA and IAA and complete plants could be obtained. The rooted plants were transplanted to pots for hardening.