In vitro plantlet formation from embryonic explants of eastern white cedar (Thuja occidentalis L.)

A protocol is described for the in vitro production of plantlets from embryonic explants of eastern white cedar (Thuja occidentalis L.). Bud induction was optimal when embryonic explants were cultured for 20-25 days on half-strength Quoirin and Le Poivre mineral salts containing equimolar concentrations (10(-6) M) of N(6)-benzyladenine and 2-isopentyl adenine. Bud development was achieved in phytohormone-free medium in the presence of activated charcoal. Maximal shoot elongation occurred on half-strength Quoirin and Le Poivre salts, whereas shoot multiplication was optimal on half-strength Bornman's MCM salts in the presence of cytokinin. Hardened shoots, dipped in commercial rooting powder containing indole-3-butyric acid, rooted optimally in mist under non-sterile greenhouse conditions. Both rooting and subsequent plantlet growth was best when Redi-Earth((R)) was used as a substrate. Over 250 plantlets per embryo can be produced annually by this technique.