Abstract

In vitro micropropagation offers an efficient and rapid method for large-scale production of Swietenia macrophylla King (mahogany), an economically important tropical timber species whose natural populations have declined through overexploitation and habitat loss. This study optimized a nodal-explant micropropagation protocol using Murashige and Skoog (MS) basal medium supplemented with different concentrations of cytokinins (BAP, kinetin, TDZ) and the auxin Indole-3-Butyric Acid (IBA). Shoot induction and multiplication were most effective on MS medium supplemented with 2.0-2.5 mg/L BAP, and combining BAP with 0.5 mg/L kinetin improved shoot elongation; 1.5 mg/L IBA was most effective for root induction. These results support the use of tissue culture as a tool for conserving the genetic diversity of S. macrophylla and for supporting reforestation programmes.

Key words: Swietenia macrophylla, Tissue culture, Organogenesis, In vitro Micropropagation, Growth regulators, Shoot proliferation