In vi̇tro propagation of rubber fig (ficus elastica): investigating growth and development parameters of a popular indoor woody plant under in vitro conditions

This study aimed to optimize the in vitro propagation of Ficus elastica var. Tineke, a commercially important indoor ornamental plant. The effects of various concentrations of BAP (0,5, 1,0, and 2,0 mg/L) and copper sulfate (17, 35, 70 mg/L) on callus formation, shoot regeneration, rooting, and acclimatization were evaluated. The highest callus diameter (12,53 mm) and shoot number (4,33 shoots/explant) were obtained in the medium containing 2,0 mg/L BAP. However, a high concentration of CuSO₄ (70 mg/L) inhibited morphogenesis and completely suppressed rooting. In the rooting phase, the MS medium without hormones yielded the highest root number (3,40 roots/clone), whereas 1,0 mg/L IBA enhanced rooting further. During acclimatization, adaptation success increased to 70% following antifungal application. The findings highlight that the concentrations of plant growth regulators and copper sulfate are critical factors influencing morphogenesis and acclimatization success in Ficus elastica propagation through tissue culture.