<i>In-Vitro</i> Propagation of <i>Tapinanthus bangwensis</i> (African mistletoe) and the artificial infestation of the parasite on two host plants

Abstract

In-vitro propagation and artificial infestation of Tapinanthus bangwensis on two host plants were conducted. The mistletoe responded positively in in-vitro culture process. Shoot growth and leaf development were evaluated in various concentrations of Naphthalene Acetic acid (NAA) and Benzyl amino purine (BAP). The best growth was recorded when combined growth hormones of BAP at 0.05mg/l and NAA at 0.01mg/l was added to the MS basal medium. Artificial infestation of the parasite on two hosts, Citrus sinensis and Irvingia gabonensis was also carried out and a fairly high percentage germination rates between 48.3 and 68.3% was observed on the two host respectively. The results obtained from this study showed that mistletoe has a high germination rate and its in-vitro culture response vary with the different type and concentrations of the hormone supplement used while acclimatization of the explant remains a major challenge.