In vitro propagation of Callistemon speciosus L.

Callistemon speciosus L. is specie of Myrtaceae family of great value like ornamental and medicinal plant by higher oil essential content in the leaves. The reproduction is from seed and layers, but these methods do not always exit. With the aim to establish a protocol for in vitro propagation of this specie, were evaluated different times of seed disinfections with mercuric chloride (HgCl2) 0.2% (w/v), several 6-BAP level (0, 0.25, 0.50 and 1.0 mg.L-1) to multiplication and different AIA level to shoots rooting. Disinfection was achieved with mercuric chloride during 10 mm. From culture medium evaluated to shoot proliferation, the medium without cytokine supplements was the best. On the other hand, the shoots rooting were achieved in a culture medium without auxin supplements. Shoots acclimatization of C. speciosus L. was made in a substrate composed of zeolite:casting (1:1) or casting, in greenhouse condition, with an irrigation system by microjet.