A micropropagation protocol for Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree)

Micropropagation of Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) was achieved using stem segments from mature plants. A comparison of the source of explant material, and the form of cytokinin and mineral nitrogen on the induction of multiple shoots per node is reported. Further, the effect of shoot induction treatment, the age of plant used for explants and the value of the presence of charcoal, sucrose and light on subsequent root induction in plantlets is considered. A culture procedure involving nodes sourced from 1.5 to 3 cm from the shoot tip, cultured into a shoot induction medium of Murashige and Skoog (MS) basal salts supplemented with 4.5 μmol 6-benzylaminopurine/L and 60 mmol sucrose/L for 12 weeks, and then subcultured for root induction on medium containing MS basal salts, 60 mmol sucrose/L and 0.1 or 1 μmol indole-acetic acid/L for 8 weeks, is recommended.