Assessment of culture medium without commercial ammonium nitrate for in vitro culture of industrially important plant species

Plant Cell, Tissue and Organ Culture (PCTOC) - Ammonium nitrate (AN) is one of the major nitrogen sources of Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium. It is prohibited in various countries, including India...     

Inhibition of gut proteases and development of dengue vector, Aedes aegypti by Allium sativum protease inhibitor

The paper describes the bio efficacy of a protease inhibitor; isolated from Allium sativum ‘garlic’ (ASPI); against Aedes aegypti mosquito, a well-known transmitter of dengue and Chikungunya. The purification of protease inhibitor from Allium sativum ‘garlic’ (ASPI) was carried out by ammonium sulfate precipitation followed by Fast Protein Liquid Chromatography using akta DEAE-Cellulose column. The protein fraction demonstrating trypsin inhibitory activity was further evaluated for its insecticidal activity using gut protease inhibition assay and larvicidal assay. ASPI is an inhibitor of porcine trypsin (IC₅₀ of 650.726?μg/mL) and has molecular weight of ~15?kDa determined by SDS PAGE similar to other inhibitors of the Kunitz-type family (14–26?kDa). ASPI demonstrated 50% reduced activity of Ae. aegypti midgut proteases and showed a dose-dependent acute toxicity on Ae. aegypti 3rd instars exhibiting LC₅₀ value of ~50.827?μg/mL. After ten days of larval exposure ASPI resulted in a 24-h delay of larval development and ~72% mortality at 61.5?μg/mL. These results suggest that ASPI may serve as potent insecticidal agent and hence opens a new gateway in the field of phyto-remediation.     

Somatic embryogenesis in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Buchanania lanzan</Emphasis> spreng

Summary We report a protocol for somatic embryogenesis and plantlet regeneration of Buchanania lanzan Spreng (Family—Anacardiaceae), which is a tropical fruit tree widely distributed in the dry forests of India. Calluses were initiated from immature zygotic embryos cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with various combinations of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), 6-benzyladenine (BA) and/or 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA). The highest frequency (60%) of somatic embryo induction was obtained in cultures grown on MS medium fortified with 4.53 μM 2,4-D, 5.32 μM NAA and 4.48 μM BA. The medium supplemented with 15 μM abscisic acid (ABA) was most effective for maturation and germination of somatic embryos. This is the first report on somatic embryogenesis in B. lanzan, which may be helpful for in vitro propagation, ex situ conservation and genetic manipulation of this species.     

In vitro Clonal Propagation of Neem (Azadirachta indica)

The micropropagation of neem (Azadirachta indica) was accomplished by culture of buds from crown branches of a mature tree, basal-sprouts of another mature tree and a single juvenile plant. Cultures derived from these three different sources showed significant variation in in vitro response. In case of the crown and basal-sprout explants, addition of 12.5 μM PVP-40 in the establishment medium controlled leaching of phenol growth inhibitors. Phenolic leaching was not observed in juvenile explants. DKW medium (with 0.22 μM BA) was significantly better than MS for shoot proliferation. Shoot cultures of crown branch origin did not elongate and eventually died after the third subculture. In the presence of 4.9 μM IBA in half-strength DKW, 90% of the shoots and 100% of basal-sprout and seedling explant origin, formed roots. Plantlets from both explant types showed 90% survival after acclimatization.     

A comprehensive review on pharmacological properties and biotechnological aspects of Genus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Chlorophytum</Emphasis>

Genus Chlorophytum Ker Gawl secures its position chiefly as commercial plants with a wide range of applications, right from pharmaceutical to ornamental, and with a promising economical return also. Few species of this genus are now enlisted under “threatened plant category” due to rash harvesting from its wild habitat, as it is utilized extensively in various industries. Great challenges are associated with its conventional propagation approach. The accomplishment and rapidity in the propagation of few species of Chlorophytum have constantly been a key concern for farmers and researchers. In this regard, in vitro propagation is an efficient technique to triumph over regeneration-associated problems. Available literature was surveyed rigorously to extract the information on pharmacological utilities and recent advancements in in vitro regeneration of genus Chlorophytum. Since 1990s to till now, a number of efforts were made in different aspects of Chlorophytum under both in vitro and ex vitro conditions. Current review intends to provide a comprehensive overview of important properties and biotechnological aspects, viz. bioactive constituents and inherent properties of such as aphrodisiac potential, anti-diabetic, anti-microbial, anti-tumor and anti-oxidant, and in vitro production of genus Chlorophytum. Conclusively, proposed article is an attempt to provide overall update of various studies conducted with members of Chlorophytum genus that will possibly be helpful in proper, fullest and sustainable utilization of this important group.     

In vitro micropropagation from nodal segments of Cleistanthus collinus

Cleistanthus collinus Benth. was micropropagated using nodal explants on MS medium supplemented with 2.2 M benzyladenine (BA). April to June was the best time for initiating shoot cultures. Shoot proliferation was enhanced when the BA concentration was lowered to 1.1 M. Rooting was achieved on half-strenth MS medium with 22.8 M indole-3-acetic acid for 7 days and continuous darkness for the first 72 h of the 7 days.Abbreviations MS Murashige & Skoog's medium - WPM Woody Plant Medium - BA 6-benzyladenine - IAA indole-3-acetic acid - IBA indole-3-butyric acid - NAA 1-naphthalenacetic acid     

A mini-review on electrotherapeutic strategy for the plant viral elimination

Plant Cell, Tissue and Organ Culture (PCTOC) - Plants have electrophysiological phenomena and are influenced by external electrical fields too. Plants have been studied for this property since the...