In vitro Multiple Shoot Proliferation and Plant Regeneration of Vanilla planifolia Andr. - A Commercial Spicy Orchid

In vitro mass multiplication of Vanilla planifolia was investigated using node as explant. Multiple shoots were developed in MS medium supplemented with $2.0mgl^{-1}$ 6-benzylaminopurine and $1.0mgl^{-1}$ $\alpha$-naphthalene acetic acid. Multiple shoots were maintained for 6-T weeks with regular subculturing at the end of $3^{rd}$ week onto fresh medium. The maximum number of shoots at the rate of 12.8 per node segment was achieved over a period of four weeks. The elongated shoots were separated from the shoot clusters and were transferred onto half strength MS medium supplemented with indole-3-acetic acid ($1.0mgl^{-1}$) over a period of 28 days for induction of roots. The development of roots was observed on $7^{th}$ day of incubation. The in vitro raised plantlets were transferred to poly-cups, covered with polyethylene sheets and maintained under shade net for 25 days for hardening. Finally these plants were transferred to field and recorded that 85 % of tissue cultured plants were survived. From the present study, a simple and efficient micropropagation protocol was developed for Vanilla planifolia using single node segments as explants.