In order to optimise tissue culture systems and to meet production targets, Mondi Forests' biotechnology programme has in the last 2 years concentrated efforts on the use of the RITA Ò temporary immersion bioreactor system. Protocols have been established for six Eucalyptus clones. Results indicate a four-to sixfold increase in yield, in half the time, with the RITA Ò system when compared with axillary bud proliferation on semi-solid media. Furthermore, plants produced from the RITA Ò system are hardier and acclimatize better, giving higher yields of hardened-off plants. The establishment of aseptic axillary shoots into the RITA Ò system is from shoots in the semi-solid system. Highest multiplication was achieved using 30-second flushes of medium every 10 min, starting with 50 shoots per vessel. The multiplication cycles in RITA Ò are between 14 and 18 days, compared with 25-28 days in a semi-solid system. There is minimal callus evident on the leaves and bases of the stems of plants in the RITA Ò system and, in addition, coldtolerant plants have a greater rooting competence when compared with plants coming from the semi-solid system. Ex vitro rooting of RITA Ò -derived plantlets is substantially better than the plants from the semisolid media.

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