MICROPROPAGATION OF RHODODENDRONS

For the experiments initial explants were made from vegetative and flower buds. The initiation of cultures has been conducted on several dates (from November to April). Best growth and differentiation of tissues were obtained when initiating cultures in February and March on a medium containing a 50% Anderson's medium with IAA 4 mg/l and 2iP 15 mg/l added. Microcuttings were rooted in perlite, saturated with a fluid medium and in a non-sterile medium (peat + perlite 2:1). The microcuttings which were planted in non-sterile medium and treated with IBA 0,2% rooted 100%. After eighteen months using this micropropagation technique it is possible to obtain commercial transplants of high quality.