Multiple shoot induction in Litchi chinensis Sonn. (litchi) has been achiev
ed by two methods: (1) direct germination of litchi seeds in 6-benzylaminop
urine (20 mg l(-1))-supplemented MS liquid medium and supported on a filter
-paper bridge and (2) in planta treatment with 6-benzylaminopurine (100 mu
g on alternate days) of the axillary bud regions of plants germinated and m
aintained under sterile conditions. While the former :method resulted in as
many as 27.5+/-8.6 shoot buds from the cotyledonary node within 4 weeks, t
he latter yielded on average approximately 8 shoot buds from each treated n
ode in 8 weeks. The cytokinin treatment in planta consisted of placing ster
ile filter paper moistened with sterile distilled water over the node and a
dding different concentrations of 6-benzylaminopurine. Both methods of mult
iple shoot induction were found to be effective for the five genotypes of l
itchi that were tested. The shoots elongated and rooted directly in vermicu
lite after a pulse treatment with IBA (25 mg/ml) for 15 min. Fungus growth
which is a serious problem in litchi tissue culture, was controlled using a
fungicide, Bavistin, and by eliminating organic nutrients from the growth
medium.