Rapid in vitro multiplication of Sida cordifolia L. – a threatened medicinal plant

Summary

An efficient, reproducible protocol has been developed for in vitro multiplication of Sida cordifolia L. High-frequency, multiple shoots (90%) were obtained indirectly from nodal explants. Callus was induced when nodal explants were cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 0.5 mg l^–1 Kinetin (Kn). These nodal calli were then cultured in order to differentiate multiple shoots on MS medium supplemented with 0.5 mg l^–1 Kn plus 0.5 mg l^–1 naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA). Roots were induced from these multiple shoots following culture on MS medium supplemented with 0.8 mg l^–1 NAA for 4 weeks. Finally, these in vitro plantlets were hardened, acclimatised, and successfully transferred to the field.