Development Of a Cost-Effective and Scalable In Vitro Propagation Protocol for Selected Bamboo Cultivars

Abstract

The present study focuses on developing a cost-effective and scalable in vitro propagation protocol for selected bamboo cultivars, emphasizing the integration of low-cost organic supplements and alternative gelling agents. Bamboo is a crucial renewable resource for ecological sustainability and rural livelihood development; however, large-scale propagation remains constrained by high tissue culture costs. This study evaluates the viability of replacing expensive culture components such as sucrose and agar with cost-effective alternatives including coconut water, banana extract, and guar gum. Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium was used as the basal medium with optimized plant growth regulators (BAP and NAA). The findings revealed that substituting 20% coconut water and 10% banana extract significantly enhanced shoot proliferation, while guar gum served as an effective gelling agent without compromising culture quality. The established protocol resulted in high multiplication and rooting efficiency across Bambusa balcooa and Dendrocalamus strictus. The developed system offers a sustainable and economically viable strategy for commercial-scale bamboo micro propagation.