An Efficient Micropropagation Protocol for High-Frequency Plantlet Regeneration from Liquid Culture of Nodal Tissues in a Medicinal Plant, Turnera ulmifolia L.

Abstract

A highly efficient, stable, and cost-effective micropropagation protocol for the conservation of a medicinal plant Turnera ulmifolia L. was established from nodal tissues via multiple axillary shoot proliferation on using Murashige and Skoog’s (MS) liquid nutrient medium. To begin with, nodal explants were placed on agar gelled medium amended with 2.0 mg L⁻¹ 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) and 0.1 mg L⁻¹ indole-3 acetic acid (IAA) for shoot induction. Subsequently, elongation of regenerated shoots could be possible on liquid MS medium supplemented with 0.5 mg L⁻¹ BAP and Kin (kinetin) each along with 0.1 mg L⁻¹ IAA where high frequency of regeneration in terms of number of shoots (47.2 shoots/explant) was achieved. Furthermore, long and healthy shoots (4−5 cm in length) were rooted on agar gelled half-strength of MS medium supplemented with 2.0 mg L⁻¹ indole-3 butyric acid (IBA). Finally, in vitro regenerated plantlets were gradually acclimatized in the greenhouse and transferred to the field successfully.

KEYWORDS:

• micropropagation
• Turnera ulmifolia
• liquid medium
• acclimatization

FUNDING

The authors thank the University Grants Commission, Government of India, New Delhi for providing funds by recognizing their institute as a College with Potential for Excellence.