Rapid micropropagation of Woodfordia fruticosa (L.) Kurz (Lythraceae), a rare medicinal plant

A rapid propagation method comprising initiation of in vitro shoot tip culture from field-grown flowering plants and reculture of the nodal segments of regenerated shoots in Schenk and Hildebrandt (1972) medium was developed for Woodfordia fruticosa (L.) Kurz., a rare medicinal shrub. A medium supplement of 6-benzylaminopurine (0.2 mg.l^–1) induced high frequency (88%) development of axillary shoot buds (3.2) in 4–5 weeks. Subculture of the explants with multiple new shoots in fresh medium for 30 days yielded an even larger number (9.7) of shoots. Highest multiplication (26–35 shoots) was recorded when using culture initiation media with 0.5 mg.l^–1 each of BAP and NAA followed by subculture in 0.2 mg.l^–1 BAP. The shoot multiplication rate was further accelerated by reculturing 0.4–0.6 cm nodal segments of regenerated shoots in media with 1.0 mg.l^–1 BAP. Shoot cuttings (3.5–7.0 cm) were rooted in 0.2 mg.l^–1 IAA. Regenerated plants displayed uniform morphological, growth and flowering characteristics.Abbreviations BAP 6-benzylaminopurine - NAA naphthaleneacetic acid - IAA Indole-3-acetic acid - IBA indole-3-butyric acid - SH Schenk and Hildebrandt (1972) medium     

In Vitro Propagation of Endangered Temperate Himalayan Medicinal Herb Picrorhiza kurroa Royle ex Benth using Leaf Explants and Nodal Segments

The present study describes the micropropagation of Picrorhiza kurroa, (commonly known as kutki) an endangered medicinal herb of the temperate Himalayas and a source of hepatoprotective picrosides. In vitro shoot multiplication was achieved through sprouting of axillary buds using nodal segments and leaf tissue. For shoot regeneration, the hormone combinations kinetin (2.0 mg l^?1) and Kinetin + Indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) (2.0 mg l^?1 + 0.50 mg l^?1) with leaf explant was found superior. Interestingly, the basal MS medium gave 99.94 % response (direct proliferation) with nodal explant. The medium supplemented with IBA (1.0 mg ^?1) was found best for rooting of regenerated shoots. Nodal segments plated on the medium supplemented with TDZ + IBA (0.11 mg ^?1 + 0.50 mg ^?1) formed somatic embryos, however further regeneration could not be achieved. The in vitro raised plantlets were hardened and successfully established in the glass house conditions.     

Simple and Effective Regeneration of Mungbean (Vigna radiata (L) Wilczek) using Cotyledonary Node Explants

Mungbean (Vigna radiata (L) Wilczek cv ML — 267) is a recalcitrant grain legume species. Direct multiple shoots were developed from the cotyledonary node explants of 2-day-old in vitro grown seedlings of mungbean. Maximum number of shoots (an average 12.1 shoots per explant) was obtained on a medium containing MS salts, B5 vitamins and 5.0 mg l^?1 BAP. A medium with lower BAP concentration appeared suitable for rapid shoot elongation. The elongated shoots were rooted on 0.2 mg l^?1 NAA. The rooted plants were acclimatized under field conditions. The survival of the plants in the greenhouse was 90 %. Plants flowered and set seed normally.     

In Vitro Regeneration of Achillea millefolium L from Shoot-tips and Root Segments of Seedlings

This report describes, for the first time, an efficient plant regeneration system for Achillea millefolium L (yarrow), a medicinal plant, via shoot multiplication from shoot-tips and adventitious shoot regeneration from root segments. Higher numbers of shoots were obtained when shoot-tips were cultured on MSMO medium supplemented with 3.0 mg l^?1 BA and 0.5 mg l^?1 IAA, or 5.0 mg l^?1 KIN and 1.0 mg l^?1 IBA, producing 17.3 and 17.0 shoots per explant at 100% frequency, respectively. For adventitous shoot regeneration, only root segments developed shoots when cultured on medium containing a combination of 1 mg l^?1 TDZ, 0.5 mg l^?1 IAA and 0.5 mg l^?1 GA3 (18.9 shoots per explant at 100% frequency), while other types of explants (i.e., cotyledons, leaf lamina and petiole segments) or hormonal combinations tested were found ineffective. Regenerated shoots rooted readily on MSMO medium containing different concentrations of IAA, IBA, NAA or 2,4-D, however, NAA at 0.5 mg l^?1, or IBA at 0.5 or 1.0 mg l^?1 were found to be the most productive. Nearly all of the regenerated plants (98%) survived through the hardening process when the rooted plantlets were kept at 55–65% relative humidity for 2 weeks, which were then planted in pots containing potting soil and kept at 25–35% humidity.     

Thidiazuron-induced Shoot Multiplication and Plant Regeneration in Bamboo (Dendrocalamus strictus Nees)

Thidiazuron (TDZ) stimulated shoot proliferation from different seedling explants (i.e., shoot, basal node, node and apical segment) of bamboo (Dendrocalamus strictus) when incorporated in half-strength Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium having 2% (w/v) sucrose. All the concentrations of TDZ (0.01 to 1.0 mg l^?1) tried were effective in shoot proliferation. Maximum shoots (14.8 ± 1.0) were obtained from the shoot explants cultured in 0.5 mg l^?1 TDZ supplemented halfstrength MS liquid medium for 21 days and subsequently transferred to the same medium devoid of TDZ. The longer culture period (i.e. 28 and 35 days) in TDZ medium caused reduction in shoot proliferation. The shoots regenerated with lower concentrations of TDZ treatment (i.e. 0.01 to 0.1 mg l^?1) rooted in half-strength MS liquid medium. The shoots formed with 0.5 mg l^?1 TDZ treatment did not root in basal medium and required auxin supplementation in the medium for rooting and about 55% shoots produced roots in 1.0 mg l^?1 IBA supplemented medium. The shoots formed with 1.0 mg l^?1 TDZ did not root even after auxin treatment. The well rooted shoots transplanted to plastic pots filled with sand and garden soil (1:1) mixture showed 98% establishment.     

Clonal Propagation and Production of Genetically Uniform Regenerants from Axillary Meristems of Adult Bamboo

The axillary bud-break and multiple bud induction were obtained from the nodal explants of field-grown culms of Bambusa tulda in liquid Murashige and Skoog’s (MS) basal medium supplemented with 2.0 mg l^?1 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP), 1.0 mg l^?1 kinetin (Kn) and 8% coconut water. Multiple shoots regenerated and proliferated in the liquid MS medium fortified with 3.0 mg l^?1 indolebutyric acid (IBA). While, in B. balcooa, MS medium supplemented with 2.5 mg l^?1 BAP and 1.0 mg l^?1 Kn induced axillary bud-break, bud multiplication and subsequently shoot elongation was obtained after three passages in the same medium. A clump with at least three shoots of both these bamboo species was used as propagule for successful root induction in half-strength MS liquid basal medium supplemented with 0.2 mg l^?1 IBA. Sympodial type of microrhizomes developed in B. tulda and the regenerants acclimatized in the soil easily. Explants collected in the month of October produced best in vitro regeneration response in these two bamboo species. Endogenous phenol content proved detrimental for efficient shoot regeneration. The clonal fidelity of the regenerants was established by RAPD analysis advocating clonal propagation through axillary meristem culture of B. balcooa and B. tulda is reliable for commercial exploitation.     

In vitro micropropagation of Basella rubra L. through proliferation of axillary shoots

In vitro micropropagation protocol for Basella rubra regeneration was tried through proliferation of axillary shoots of the potted mature plant. The improved seed germination (70%) was recorded upon 2% urea treatment. The nodal shoot segments from matured potted plant were used to initiate the multiple shoot proliferation. The shoot segments exhibited 70% shoot initiation when cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA)?+?N₆ – Benzylaminopurine (BAP) (0.25?+?2.0 mg/L) and BAP?+?Kinetin (Kin) (2.0?+?0.5 mg/L) respectively. Multiple shoots (5–6) were obtained on MS medium supplemented with BAP?+?Kin and IAA?+?BAP respectively. When compared with silver nitrate (AgNO₃) (2–40 µM) and activated charcoal (AC) (0.1–1.0%), the MS medium devoid of any plant growth regulator showed good number of shoots (5.48?±?2.42), elongation (15.64?±?2.42 cm) and root length (14.52?±?2.78 cm). Upon transferring of regenerated microshoots to MS medium, simultaneous elongation of shoots with more shoot number, shoot length and rooting was achieved during four subcultures that carried out at 6 weeks’ interval. The regenerated in vitro shoots showed 100% rooting in MS medium and also in MS medium supplemented with 0.1–1.0% AC. Hundred percent survival of micropropagated shoots well rooted was established successfully under greenhouse condition and the plants were subsequently acclimatized and transferred to the field conditions wherein 90% success rate was noted.

     

Direct Shoot Bud Formation and Tuberization from Aseptically Cultured Root Tubers of Calla Lily (Zantedeschia aethiopica L)

We describe here the development of a micropropagation protocol for mass multiplication of Zantedeschia aethiopica by using root tubers as explant. The surface sterilized root tubers produced five to six shoot-buds on semi-solid Murashige and Skoog’s (MS) medium with 10.0 mg l^?1 of 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) and additives (50.0 mg l^?1 of ascorbic acid; 25.0 mg l^?1 each of adenine sulphate, L-arginine and citric acid). The cultures were multiplied by sub-culture of individual shoot bud produced in vitro and clumps of shoot buds generated in vitro in cultures on MS medium containing 3.0 mg l^?1 of BAP and additives. Further multiplication of propagules was achieved through tuber formation along with amplifying shoots on MS medium with 5.0 mg l^?1 of BAP. The micropropagated shoots were rooted both in vitro as well as ex vitro. Cent percent of the cloned shoots rooted in vitro within 15–18 days on hormone-free 1/2 strength MS salts with 200.0 mg l^?1 of activated charcoal. Alternatively 95–100% shoots rooted ex vitro under greenhouse conditions on soilrite after pulse-treatment with 500.0 mg l^?1 of Indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) or β-naphthoxyacetic acid (NOA) for 300 sec. The cloned plants were hardened in the greenhouse. The hardened plants were transplanted to soil for further acclimatization.     

Effect of Explant Source on Axillary Shoot Multiplication During Micropropagation of a Rare Medicinal Plant — Wattakaka volubilis (L f) Stapf

Nodal explants of in vivo plants and in vitro seedlings of Wattakaka volubilis were cultured on Murashige and Skoog medium fortified with various concentrations of cytokinins — BA (0.5–5 mg l^?1), KN (0.5–10 mg l^?1),TDZ (0.05–1 mg l^?1) either singly or in combination with NAA (0.1 mg l^?1). KN proved best for inducing healthy shoots in both in vitro and in vivo derived explants. Maximum number of shoots (14.1±0.84) with 80% regeneration frequency was obtained from nodal explants of seedlings cultured on 5 mg 1^?1 KN + 0.1 mg l^?1 NAA. In vivo nodal explants produced a maximum of 4.2 shoots on MS medium fortified with 2 mg l^?1 BA+0.1 mg l^?1 NAA. The differentiated shoots from both could be rooted with 85% frequency on 1/2 strength MS medium (1% sucrose) with 0.6% agar + 1 mg l^?1 IBA + 0.2 mg l^?1 KN. Rooted shoots were transplanted to vermiculite-soil (3:1) mixture in polyethylene covered pots with 45% transplantation success. Peroxidase isozymes (native PAGE) analysis helped to verify the variation in regenerated plants.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">In vitro</Emphasis> propagation,micromorphological studies and <Emphasis Type="Italic">ex vitro</Emphasis> rooting of cannon ball tree (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Couroupita guianensis</Emphasis> aubl.): a multipurpose threatened species

In vitro propagation methods using seeds and nodal segments of a 21-year old Couroupita guianensis - a medicinally important but threatened tree have been developed. Hundred percent of the seeds germinated on half strength Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium with 2.0 mg l^?1 indole-3 butyric acid (IBA). Nodal segments were found most suitable for the establishment of cultures. About 90 % explants responded and 4.1 ± 0.23 shoots per node were induced after five weeks of inoculation on MS medium +4.0 mg l^?1 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP). Further shoot multiplication was achieved by repeated transfer of mother explants and subculturing of in vitro produced shoots on fresh medium. Maximum number (8.2 ± 0.17) of shoots were regenerated on MS medium with 1.0 mg l^?1 each of BAP and Kinetin (Kin) + 0.5 mg l^?1 α-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) with additives (50 mg l^?1 of ascorbic acid and 25 mg l^?1 each of adenine sulphate, L-arginine and citric acid). The multiplied shoots rooted (4.3 ± 0.26 roots/shoot) on half strength MS medium with 2.5 mg l^?1 IBA. All the shoots were rooted ex vitro when pulse treated with 400 mg l^?1 of IBA for five min with an average of 7.3 ± 0.23 roots per shoot. Nearly 86 % of these plantlets were acclimatized within 7–8 weeks and successfully transferred in the field. Biologically significant developmental changes were observed during acclimation particularly in leaf micromorphology in terms of changes in stomata, veins and vein-islets, and trichomes. This study helps in understanding the response by the plants towards outer environmental conditions during acclimatization. This is the first report on micropropagation of C. guianensis, which could be used for the large-scale multiplication, restoration and conservation of germplasm of this threatened and medicinally important tree.     

Micropropagation of Anethum graveolens L Through Axillary Shoot Proliferation

A protocol is described for rapid and large-scale in vitro propagation of Anethum graveolens by enhanced axillary shoot induction that was dependent on BAP supply. The synergistic combination of 0.5 mg l^?1 BAP and 0.1 mg l^?1 IBA induced 100% shoot formation as well as shoot number (6.6 ± 0.48 per explant). Subculturing of shoot tips of in vitro plants on multiplication medium enabled continuous production of healthy shoots with similar frequency. Rooting of shoots was achieved on a medium with 1mg l^?1 IBA and 0.5 mg l^?1 Kn. Micropropagated plants established in garden were uniform and identical to the donor plant with respect to morphological and cytological characteristics.     

In vitro Clonal Propagation and Organogenesis in Spilanthes acmella (L) Murray: A Herbal Pesticidal Plant of North-East India

Multiple shoots were regenerated in MS medium using different concentrations of BAP and Kn and different combinations of BAP with IAA, NAA and IBA. Highest multiplication of shoots was obtained with BAP (0.75 mg l^?1) with 28.4 shoots per explant after 60 days of culture. Shoots rooted best on IBA (0.5 mg l^?1), numbering 48.8 per explant. Organogenesis was maximum in callus cultured on MS medium supplemented with BAP (2.0 mg l^?1) and IAA (1.0 mg l^?1).     

Callus Culture and Plant Regeneration from Seedling Explants of Pergularia daemia (Forsk) Chiov

Callus cultures were established from seedling explants of Pergularia daemia (Forsk) Chiov on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with different concentrations of auxins. Optimal callus developed from leaf explants on MS medium supplemented with 2,4-D (2 mg l^?1) + 2iP (0.1 mg l^?1), was used for morphogenesis. Adventitious shoots were regenerated (70%) from the calli on MS medium supplemented with NAA (0.1 mg l^?1)+ BAP (2 mg l^?1). Individual shoots were rooted on half strength MS medium supplemented with 0.1 mg l^?1 IBA. Plantlets with well developed roots were successfully transferred to soil and 50% of the transferred plants survived.     

In vitro regeneration in Sarcostemma acidum (Roxb.) –an important medicinal plant of semi-arid ecosystem of Rajasthan, India

An efficient regeneration protocol for Sarcostemma acidum – an important medicinal plant has been established. Callus initiated from nodal explant on MS medium with 2.0 mg?L^?1 of NAA + additives. Callus initiated was subcultured on MS medium containing various concentrations of NAA or 2,4-D. Out of these combinations, MS medium +1.0 mg?L^?1 of NAA + additives was found to be effective for the multiplication of callus. Subculture was done after an interval of 20–22 days. For differentiation of callus BAP or Kinetin alone was found to be less effective. Maximum frequency of shoot regeneration recorded on MS medium +1.0 mg?L^?1 of BAP?+?0.5 mg?L^?1 of Kinetin and 0.1 mg?L^?1 of NAA + additives. The in vitro differentiated shoots were excised and inoculated on 1/4 strength MS medium +2.0 mg?L^?1 of IBA?+?0.02 % activated charcoal for in vitro rooting. Maximum response (90 %) was recorded on this medium. In vitro differentiated shoots were inoculated on autoclaved soilrite® after treatment with root inducing auxins. Ex vitro rooting in this plant species has been reported for the first time. Eighty five percent of the shoots rooted under ex vitro conditions. Both in vitro and ex vitro rooted plantlets were hardened in a green house.     

High efficiency plant regeneration and genetic fidelity of regenerants by SCoT and ISSR markers in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

High efficient and repeatable in vitro regeneration protocol was established from embryo axis, half-seed, axillary meristem, and cotyledonary node explants of chickpea. Various concentrations and combinations of various plant growth regulators (PGRs) were employed to induce multiple shoots, shoot elongation and rooting of shoots to obtain complete plantlets of chickpea. The pretreatment of seeds with 6-benzyl aminopurine (BAP) at 1.0 mg l^?1 was found to significantly increase the multiple shoot regeneration from the all explants tested. Among three PGRs such as BAP, kinetin (KIN) and thidiazuron (TDZ) tested for multiple shoot induction; BAP at 2.0 mg l^?1 produced the maximum number of shoots in all tested explants. The maximum number of shoots (48.80 shoots/explant) was attained from the embryo axis explant followed by half-seed (32.76 shoots/explant), axillary meristem (28.34 shoots/explant) and cotyledonary node explant (18.47 shoots/explant) on medium augmented with 2.0 mg l^?1 BAP along with 0.05 mg l^?1 Indole-3-butyric acid (IBA). The optimum percentage of shoot elongation response was recorded (96.68%) on medium fortified with IAA (0.05 mg l^?1), GA₃ (1.0 mg l^?1) and BAP (1.0 mg l^?1) with an average shoot length of 8.82 cm. The elongated shoots were successfully rooted in medium augmented with 2.0 mg l^?1 IBA. The complete plants were acclimatized in the greenhouse with a survival rate of 72%. The plantlets regenerated from four explants appeared to be morphologically similar to mother plants. The genetic fidelity of in vitro regenerated plants was evaluated using Start Codon Targeted and Inter simple sequence repeats molecular markers. The in vitro regenerated plants from all four explants were found to be the true to type with their mother plant. The in vitro protocol presented in the study should offer as a feasible system for chickpea genetic transformation.

     

Optimizing micropropagation of drought resistant <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pyrus boissieriana</Emphasis> Buhse

The present study concentrated on introducing a micropropagation protocol for a drought resistant genotype from Pyrus boissieriana, which is the second most naturally widespread pear species in Iran with proper physiological and medicinal properties. Proliferating microshoot cultures were obtained by placing nodal segments on MS medium supplemented with BAP and IBA or NAA. The highest number of shoots (27 shoots per explant) were obtained with 1.5 mg l^?1 BAP and 0.05 mg l^?1 IBA, but this combination did not produce shoots of desirable length (>1.7 cm). Combination of 1.75 mg l^?1 BAP and 0.07 mg l^?1 IBA was the best for the shoot multiplication in P. boissieriana with a sufficient number of shoot production (22.33 shoots per explant) and relatively more appropriate shoot length. The larger and greenish leaves were obtained when PG was added to the best multiplication treatment. Microshoot elongation was carried out in 1/2 and 1/4 MS medium containing 50–100 mg l^?1 PG with different concentrations of IBA or NAA at intervals of 30–60 days. Significant increase in shoot length was detected after 45–60 days of culture in the presence of PG. The highest shoot length (8 cm) was recorded on 1/2 MS medium supplemented with 0.5 mg l^?1 IBA and 100 mg l^?1 PG. GA₃ negatively affected number and length of shoots and generally caused generation of red leaves. The highest percentage of root induction (100%) and root length (9 cm) were obtained on 1/6 strength MS medium supplemented with 0.005 mg l^?1 IBA. All plantlets were hardened when transferred to ex vitro conditions through a period of 25–30 days. The results suggest axillary shoot proliferation of P. boissieriana could successfully be employed for propagation of candidate drought resistant seedling.     

In vitro differentiation and plant regeneration of Albizia chinesis (Osb.) Merr

Summary Petiolar and distal cotyledonary segments (PCS and DCS) of Albizia chinensis were cultured on Murashige and Skoog's (MS; 1962) medium and induced to form adventitious shoot buds in the presence of either cytokinins 6-benzylamino purine (BAP), kinetin (KN) or thidiazuron (TDZ). Superiority of BAP in inducing shoot bud and differentiation was observed. PCS was more morphogenic to shoot bud differentiation than DCS. TDZ was highly effective in inducing shoot buds, but arrested shoot growth, while KN produced more callus during differentiation of shoots. Rapid and high rate of shoot multiplication per explant was achieved through subculture in MS medium containing BAP (1.0 mg l⁻¹) and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) (0.5 mg l⁻¹). BAP at low concentration was required to enhance shoot multiplication and elongation. Successful rooting of regenerated shoots was carried out in a two-step culture procedure in MS media with indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) (2.0 mg l⁻¹) and subsequent subculture in IBA-free medium.     

Micropropagation of Withania coagulans (Stocks) Dunal: A Critically Endangered Medicinal Herb

An efficient micropropagation protocol has been developed for Withania coagulans, a highly endangered medicinal herb and an important natural source of withanolides. Prolific multiplication of axillary buds occurred from the nodal segments taken from adult plant, and cultured on MS medium enriched with BA (0.5 mg l^?1), Kn (0.5 mg l^?1) and PG (0.5 mg l^?1). Nodal segments and shoot tips of elongated microshoots also behaved the same way in cultures and formed multiple shoots through axillary bud multiplication. Addition of PG (0.5 mg l^?1) in the regeneration medium significantly improved induction and elongation of shoot buds. Elongated shoots were placed on filter paper bridges soaked in MS medium with CC (10 mg l^?1) and PG (0.5 mg l^?1) for the initial 7 days’ pulse treatment and thereafter, they were transferred to rooting medium containing IBA (0.25 mg l^?1) + PAA (0.5 mg l^?1) + CC (2 mg l^?1). This protocol has the capacity of producing 1000 plants from one nodal segment after 4 subcultures of 2 weeks each.     

Establishment of Plantlets and Evaluation of Differentiated Roots for Alkaloids in Rauwolfia serpentha

Different explants of Rauwolfia serpentina were tested for their capacity and root differentiation. MS sedium containing 2.0 mg I^-1 BAP or 1.5 mg I^-1 BAP with 0.5 mg I-* NAA gave the best shoot proliferation from shoot apices (84.12%). Multiple shoots subcultured on the same media gave higher number of shoots (6–9). Callus formed at the cut ends of explants produced shoots when subcultured on the above media. Rooting was achieved after transfer of shoots either to hormone free or half strength or full strength MS medium with different concentrations of IAA (0.5,1.0 mg I^-1 and IBA (0.5,1.0 mg I^-1).The complete regenerated plantlets have been successfully transferred to earthen pots in green house. Maximum root differentiation from leaves, stem and nodal cuttings derived calli was obtained on MS medium supplemented with NAA (2.0 mg I^-1) and BAP (1.5 mg I^-1). Identification of reserpine and other alkaloids from differentiated roots holds an interesting alternative for controlled production of alkaloids from this endangered, overexploited medicinal plant species.     

In vitro Regeneration of Gerbera jamesonii Bolus from Leaf and Petiole Explants

Regeneration of adventitious shoots from leaf and petiole pieces of Gerbera jamesonii has been obtained on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with different concentrations of auxins and cytokinins. About 75’77 per cent of the calli from both types of the explants produced 12’15 shoots per callus with 3 mg l^?1 SAP. Auxins and kinetin, separately failed to produce shoots. The shoots regenerated on the callus induction medium (elM). The regenerated shoots multiplied with 1 mg l^?1 SAP, were rooted on MS medium containing 1mg l^-1 BAP + 0.1 mg l^-1 IAA. The plants obtained were transferred to pots and acclimatized with 60’70 per cent success.