IN-VITRO REGENERATION OF EVERGREEN AZALEA FROM LEAVES

Rhododendron simsii 'Hellmut Vogel' was regenerated using different ty pes of explants, auxins and cytokinins. After a callus induction phase , with 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid or alpha-naphthaleneacetic acid, adventitious shoot regeneration was obtained on a medium supplemented with thidiazuron or zeatin. With thidiazuron shoots were small and a subsequent elongation step was required before rooting. An elongation step was not required when zeatin was used. The duration of the callus induction phase was negatively correlated with the regeneration capac ity.