STUDIES ON SHOOT BUD FORMATION IN VITRO ON EMBRYO OF DENDROPHTHOE FALCATA: A NEW REPORT*

Experimental morphogenetic studies were designed in vitro on embryo of the stem semi-parasite, Dendrophthoe falcata (Loranthaceae). The mature embryos were immersed for various duration in different concentrations of cytokinins followed by washing in sterilized distiled water and thereafter implanted on White's modified medium (devoid of any phytohormone). The differentiation of shoot bud was achieved from the explant after one week in these cultures. Washing of explants in distilled water, after immersion in cytokinins even for 1 minute did not inhibit bud formation showing that the action of cytokinins in bud formation is very quick and irreversible.