THE ESTABLISHMENT OF Melaleuca cajuputi (GELAM) CULTURES FROM MATURE SEEDS

Abstract

Melaleuca cajuputi, locally known as Gelam, belongs to the Myrtaceae family. It is used as a source of wood and as a remedy in traditional medicine. Tissue culture is one of the tools to ensure the sustainable supply of resources. However, the micropropagation protocol for this plant species remains limited. Therefore, the objective of the current study was to establish and examine the morphological traits of M. cajuputi cultures. To establish the culture, seeds were harvested from the local area, surface sterilised, and subsequently cultured in Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 0 mg/L to 1.5 mg/L of benzylaminopurine (BAP), kinetin (KIN), and thidiazuron (TDZ), respectively. The morphological traits of the cultures developed during the culture period. Results revealed that the highest microbial-free seedlings were obtained from seeds treated with 5.0% (v/v) sodium hypochlorite for 25 minutes. A healthy plantlet with a higher number of leaves (9.6 ± 0.8/plantlet) and roots (8.7 ± 2.1/plantlet) was obtained in the phytohormone-free medium, both at full- and half-ionic strength of MS medium after five weeks of culture. Plantlets cultured in a solid medium layered with a liquid medium exhibit better growth compared to those grown solely in a solid medium. The current findings indicate that M. cajuputi can easily grow in a culture medium with minimal nutrients. However, further studies should investigate the optimal culture medium for the micropropagation of this plant.