FACTORS AFFECTING THE SHOOT MULTIPLICATION OF EPHEDRA PROCERA IN IRAN

A number of experiments were conducted to identify suitable procedure for in vitro shoot multiplication of Ephedra procera. Two different nutrient media (MS, DCR) and two different explants (Axillary and axial buds) were studied in first experiment. Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium was found optimum. Per formance of explants was better on MS medium than on DCR, axillary buds was significantly better than axial buds in whole measured of indexes. In another experiment different concentration of BA were studied. Medium containing 0.05 mgl-1 BA and 0.01 mgl-1 IBA was the best, although medium containing 0.15 and 0.3 was also successful. Different concentrations of Kinetin were studied. Medium containing 0.1 mgl-1 Kinetin and 0.01 mgl-1 IBA was the best, in all of indexes. In general explants did not grow in concentrations 0.3 and 0.4 mgl-1 Kinetin. In general BA was better than Kinetin for shoot multiplication of Ephedra procera.