IN-VITRO PROPAGATION OF SOME CRYTANTHUS SPECIES

Shoots and roots were initiated on bulb explants of Cyrtanthus brachys cyphus, C. elatus, C, falcatus, C. guthrieae, and C, mackenii var. mac kenii. C. breviflorus produced small amounts of wound callus only. The species differed in their response to the different levels of plant g rowth regulators used. In general shoot formation was most favourable with high concentrations BA (2 mg l(-1)) and lower concentrations NAA (1 mg l(-1)). Best root formation was obtained with low BA and NAA (0- 0.5 mg l(-1)) concentrations. Cyrtanthus brachyscyphus was the most pr olific shoot producer, with a 3-fold increase at every sub-culture. C. elatus, C. guthrieae, and C. mackenii var. mackenii were less vigorou s and on average showed a 1.5-fold increase at every sub-culture. C. f alcatus produced a low number of shoots from the explants and this did not increase with subsequent sub-cultures. Rooted plantlets were suce ssfully acclimatized in vermiculite in a mist house (100% survival).