A protocol is described for rapid multiplication of Zanthoxylum piperitum DC. (Rutaceae), an important aromatic and medicinal plant, through shoot-tip explant cultures. Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with various concentrations of N-6-benzyladenine (BA), N-6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) and thidiazuron (TDZ), in single or in combination with α-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA), was used to determine the rate of shoot proliferation. N-6-benzyladenine (BA) used at 0.5mg/l, was the most effective in initiating multiple shoot proliferation at the rate of 23 microshoots per shoot-tip explants after 40 days of culture. Shoot multiplication increased 1.2-fold in each successive subculture. Induction of rooting (98%) was achieved by transferring the shoots to the same basal medium containing 2 mg/l indole-3-butyric acid (IBA). Plantlets went through a hardening phase in a controlled growth chamber, prior to in vivo transfer. These results represented that possible application for the mass production of plantlets through in vitro culture system of Zanthoxylum piperitum DC.

• Sung-Jin Hwang
• Baik Hwang