Optimization of in vitro Micropropagation Protocol for Bambusa vulgaris Schrad.: Overcoming Contamination and Enhancing Shoot Regeneration

Bambusa vulgaris Schrad., known for its rich cellulose content, serves as an important resource for biofuel production and is widely utilized across diverse industries. It promotes the circular economy and provides a sustainable substitute for fossil fuels. The species has a very high demand in the present scenario and needs to be propagated at a very large scale. The conventional and vegetative propagation methods of the species are inadequate, labour-intensive and slow, resulting in a limited supply of plant material that can’t meet the rising demand. This study aims to develop and optimize a standard in vitro micropropagation protocol of Bambusa vulgaris Schrad. to meet the rising global demand for the species in a short period. Nodal segments of Bambusa vulgaris were aseptically cultured on agar solidified MS medium supplemented with various combinations of auxins (NAA, IAA) and cytokinins (BAP) at various concentrations at 25±2oC. Effective antifungal agents were selected through disc diffusion assay and used to pre-treat explants. Data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel, with results expressed as mean ± SD. MS medium supplemented with 2.0 mg L-1 BAP + 0.2 mg L-1 IAA showed the best results, with 100% response and an average of 4.18±1.67 shoots per explant within 20 days. This protocol significantly reduces contamination and promotes rapid, large-scale production of the bamboo species, addressing the limitations of conventional propagation methods.