Propagation In Vitro on fiddle leaf fig
What's Happening
In vitro micropropagation of Ficus species requires specific hormonal and nutritional balance to transition from shoot proliferation to rooting phase. The shoot multiplication stage uses 3% sucrose (control) which maximizes proliferation rate (4.7) and shoot number, but the rooting stage requires higher 5% sucrose concentration to shift metabolic activity from shoot growth to root initiation. Without this staged approach, explants develop shoots but fail to establish adequate root systems for acclimatization.
How to Fix It
- 1
Establish Stage 1 cultures on MS medium with 3% sucrose and 0.1 mg/L NAA for 28-42 days until proliferation rate reaches 4-5 shoots per explant
- 2
Transfer shoots to Stage 2 rooting medium with 5% sucrose and 0.1 mg/L NAA for 21-28 days
- 3
Maintain cultures at 25±2°C with 16-hour photoperiod under cool white fluorescent light
- 4
Subculture every 4 weeks to prevent nutrient depletion and maintain vigor
- 5
When roots reach 2+ cm and 20+ root count, begin acclimatization by gradually opening culture vessels over 7 days
How to Prevent It
Use staged culture protocol: Stage 1 (Multiplication) = 3% sucrose for 4-6 weeks to maximize shoot proliferation. Stage 2 (Rooting) = 5% sucrose for 3-4 weeks to stimulate root development. Never skip the rooting stage with increased sucrose.
Related Problems
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