Comparative effect of different types of cytokinins for shoot formation and plant regeneration in endangered medicinal plantDesmodium Gangeticum

Abstract

A mass in vitro propagation system for Desmodium gangeticum (L.) DC. (Leguminaceae), a medicinally important plant, has been developed. It is normally propagated through seeds but plant is in endangered category. Hence there is a need to develop an in vitro method. A range of cytokinins have been investigated for multiple shoot induction from nodal explants. Of the three cytokinins (6-benzyladenine, thidiazuron and kinetin) tested 6-benzyladenine (8.9 μM) and thidiazuron (6.8 υM) proved superior to other treatments. Differentiation of multiple shoots was initiated within 3 weeks of cultures. Optimal regeneration was achieved on medium containing 0.5 mg/l BA having 10.7 shoots/explant, 2mg/l TDZ having 7.4 shoots/explant and 5 mg/l KIN having 6.2 shoots/explant. The multiple shoots were elongated onto different media supplemented with low concentration (0.1-0.2 mg/l) GA3, Root induction was achieved on half-strength MS media by pulse treatment with 100 mg/l indole butyric acid (IBA) for 30 minutes. Rooted planlets were successfully acclimatized, with survival rate of 75-80%. The protocol developed for this study could be used for long-term conservation and mass propagation of this species.