On Incidence of Callus Induction in the Development of Micropropagation of Acacia Senegal in Borno State of Nigeria, Prof. Gadzama N. Mamadu and Kaldapa T. Jummai
Gadzama N. Mamadu and Kaldapa T. Jummai
University of Maiduguri, Nigeria
DOI: 10.47556/B.OUTLOOK2019.17.7
Background: Acacia senegal is a draught resistant tree that is important for environmental protection, community livelihood and sustained reforestation program, but propagation through seed is often limited by poor seed selection and storage, exacerbated by high mortality of seedlings in nursery. This work highlights the potential of developing an alternative method of raising healthy seedlings of Acacia senegal in Borno State of Nigeria with the future view of mass propagation of the tree crop.
Design/Methodogy/Approach: Six months old Nodal explants of Acacia senegal were cultured on full and half strengths of MS media supplemented with different concentrations of 2,4-D (1.0-2.5mg/l) alone and in combination with 0.5mg/l kinetin.
Results/Findings: Results indicate prolific callus formation on full strength MS medium containing 2,4-D at all the concentrations. Addition of kinetin to the auxin enhanced calli formation especially at concentrations 2.0mg/l 2,4-D +0.5mg/l kinetin. Calli morphology was friable and yellow white in color. Half strength MS mediums had delaying effect on induction period with moderate formation of calli that are hard and brownish white. Callus induction may provide a promising pathway for the mass propagation of A. senegal tree for reforestation and other programs.
Originality/Value: This is considered the first attempt to in vitro propagate A. senegal and generate reproducible protocol for possible future propagation of the tree crop in the Sahel of Borno State of Nigeria, with callus induction in the process.
Keywords: Callus induction, Nodal explant, Acacia Senegal, Auxin, 2,4 dichlorophenoxy-acetic acid (2,4-D), Kinetin (KN), Murashige and Skoog (MS).
