A novel process for rapid mass propagation of Santalum album L. in liquid media and bioreactor

A rapid mass propagation method for Santalum album through in vitro cultiva tion in liquid media and airlift bioreactor has been developed. Embryogenes is, maturation, and germination were performed in the same bioreactor by th e removal of exhausted medium and the input of fresh medium without any sub culturing. In comparison to the propagation in agar solidified medium, this process of propagation increases the efficiency of production reduces the time required, and minimizes abnormalities. In the bioreactor, about 3000 s omatic seedlings were obtained (59.3% were abnormal) in 6 weeks time, per l iter of medium, against about 800 (88.9% abnormality) in 12 weeks in the ca se of solid medium. About 70% of the somatic seedlings grew to healthy plan tlets and tolerated hardening trials, something that was rarely possible fo r somatic seedlings raised on solid media.