Abstract
M.Sc.
Lotononis bainesii Baker and Lotononis listii Polhill both belong to the subsection
Listieae (Fabaceae). Lotononis bainesii is utilised as a forage legume in certain parts
of the world, but other species in the genus may also have potential use as forage.
The influence of medium composition and pH on multiplication and rooting, as well
as hardening and Rhizobium nodulation, was investigated for both species. Shoots
were induced in L. bainesii on modified MS media (De Fossard, 1976),
supplemented with 0.025 to lOmmoll i NAA and IAA, 0.025 to 0.5/Arno& BAP
and Kinetin, 2% fructose, 0.6% agar, with the pH adjusted to 5.8. L. listii was
regenerated on the same basic media, but containing 2% sucrose, 0.4% Gelrite and
pH adjusted to 5.4. Rooting of L. listii were accomplished on modified MS medium
supplemented with 0.5Amol.1-1 IBA and IAA, and 0.025/anol.14 BAP and Kinetin.
Rooting and nodule formation under natural conditions were successful for L. listii,
but less successful for L. bainesii. Possible differences between plants cultured in
vitro and under natural conditions, were also examined using scanning electron- and
light microscopy.