Abstract

IN VITRO SHOOT PROLIFERATION FROM APICAL AND NODAL EXPLANTS OF RAUWOLFIA SERPENTINA (L.) BENTH - AN ENDANGERED MEDICINAL PLANT

Pamposh Mohan Koul*

Abstract

Consequency was obtained for mass propagation of a highly endangered medicinal plant, Rauwolfia serpentina (L.) Benth through in vitro culture. Investigation had conducted on assessing the effect of different combinations of growth hormones at different levels of concentrations for high shoot proliferation on different explants. Apical and Nodal buds of young sprouts from selected plants were used as explants. Best shoot induction from apical buds was observed on MS basal medium supplemented with IBA 0.125 mg/l + BAP 1.0 mg/l in which 47% of shoot formation occurred. Similarly in case of nodal buds as explant best shoot induction was observed on MS basal medium supplemented with IBA 0.125 mg/l + BAP 1.0 mg/l in which 35% of shoot formation occurred. The technique developed can be effectively workout for extensive multiplication and enduring in vitro conservation of Rauwolfia serpentina. The special purpose of current vstudy was to identify most suitable media supporting competence necessary for large-scale propagation scheme to replenish the exhausting supply and to conserve the threatened species.

Keywords: Rauwolfia serpentina, endangered plant, Shoot proliferation, in vitro.