Micropropagation Technology for Multipurpose Trees : From Laboratory to Farmers Fields

Abstract

Neem and teak are two important Multi Purpose Trees (MPTs), which are quite popular with farmers in most parts of the country due to their proven economic benefits. These species are planted on farm boundaries, block plantations and as components of agri-silvi culture and agri-pasture systems. Identification of plus trees and production of adequate planting material through mass propagation are pre requisites for supporting any successful plantation effort. With a view to augment the planting material supply, CRIDA under took a project on development of micro propagation protocols for these two important MPTs through a project sponsored by Andhra Pradesh – Netherlands Biotechnology Programme (APNLBP). The unique feature of this project was the involvement of Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and farmers as participants in the technology development, upscaling and field evaluation. The protocols for micro propagation of neem and teak were developed successfully at CRIDA, pilot tested and transferred to SAIRD and YFA in A.P. These protocols were adapted by these organizations quite successfully as a result of which the production of planting material could be taken up simultaneously at all the 3 centres. More than one lakh planting material has been produced during the last 5 years which is utilized both for on-farm research and pilot scale commercial plantations. The farmer participatory research enabled CRIDA to generate extensive field data on both the species, which will be valuable to make recommendations in future. Data so far indicated that micro propagated plants show higher uniformity and equal or marginally superior growth performance over that of planting material produced through traditional methods. The performance however varied with soil depth and rainfall. A long-term evaluation is required under different agro-ecological conditions to draw valid conclusions. I compliment Dr.B.Venkateswarlu, PI of the project and the two NGO partners for their collaborative effort in not only developing the technology but also its upscaling through the production centers established at the KVKs. I hope this pilot effort will grow into a larger and self-sustainable model in future and contribute towards greater adoption of agroforestry systems in the country