<italic>In vitro</italic> propagation of <italic>Actinidia melanandra</italic> Franch. and <italic>Actinidia rubricaulis</italic> Dunn. from shoot tip explants.

A highly efficient <italic>in vitro</italic> micropropagation protocol, using newly emerged sprouts coming from greenhouse-grown plants, was developed to produce <italic>Actinidia melanandra</italic> Franch. and <italic>Actinidia rubricaulis</italic> Dunn. This is the first report of <italic>in vitro</italic> culture of <italic>A</italic>. <italic>rubricaulis</italic> Dunn. Axenic culture was possible using one- or two-node explants or terminal buds, surface-sterilised with commercial bleach tablets. Nearly 90% success rate in establishment was observed. The best axillary shoot proliferation and maximum adventitious shoots elongation were achieved on Quoirin-Lepoivre medium supplemented with 1.5 mg L⁻¹ 6-benzyladenine and 30 g L⁻¹ sucrose. Although used as an inert support, agar brand has a significant effect. Kobe agar at 8 g L⁻¹ gave the best response. 100% of <italic>in vitro</italic> rooting was observed. Roots length and their quality were highly improved by the use of vermiculite in transfer medium. Over 99% of rooted plants survived after acclimatisation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]