The effect of growth regulators, medium and activated charcoal on micropropagation of Taxus baccata

English yew (Taxus baccata) is one of the limited coniferous species in Caspian forests of Iran. Taxol, unique drug employed for the bark of Taxus species. A factorial experiment was carried out to find the best combination of media and plant regulators. Micropropagation carried out to find apartical method for mass propagation. In this research two kinds of media (MS, MS(½ nitrate)), two various plant regulators (BAP, Kin + IBA), one explants (shoot tip) and presence or absence of 2 g/l active charcoal were studied. For root induction elongated shoots after 1 month were cultured on MS, ½ MS, WPM, ½ WPM media supplemented with levels of 2 growth regulators including (IBA, NAA) or without growth regulators. The best treatment for new growth leaves was the use of MS media with 3 mg/l Kin in combination activated charcoal 2 g/l and the best response (2.67 cm) was observed on MS medium with 3 mg/l Kin and also 3 mg/l BAP in combination activated charcoal 2 g/l for shoot elongation. After 2 months rooting of T, baccata was obtained on WPM in the absence of growth regulators. The best elongated shoots were on media containing lower concentration of plant growth regulators. Auxin and cytokinin were important on the elongated shoots. BAP was also found to be effective in inducing shoots and shoots elongation.