MICROPROPAGATION OF MATE (ILEX PARAGUARIE NSIS ST HIL) - EFFECT OF EXPLANT TYPE ON ESTABLISHING IN-VITRO CULTURES

Nodal sections from young shoots obtained from greenhouse grown plants [these were obtained by rooting shoots from a 10 yr old Ilex paraguar iensis St. Hil. tree], were cultured in vitro in order to establish mi cropropagation systems. The nutrient medium contained mineral salts an d vitamins of Murashige & Skoog medium at 1/4 strength, and 3% sucrose . Several experiments were done to determine the appropriate source an d best type of explants. Shoots were readily obtained from nodal secti ons under various experimental conditions. The best results were achie ved with stem sections (with one axilary bud) longer than 1 cm, cultur ed on a solid medium. Rooting of shoots was never observed.