Callus induction and shoot regeneration from rhizome explants of Rheum webbianum Royle- a threatened medicinal plant growing in Kashmir Himalaya

Abstract

Rheum webbianum Royle is an important medicinal plant of family Polygonaceae growing in Kashmir Himalaya. It possesses hepatoprotective, spasmolytic, anticholesterolaemic, antitumor, antiseptic, antifungal, anti-microbial, anti-Parkinson’s, anti-proliferative, immuno-enhancing, antiviral and antioxidant properties. During the present study an attempt has been made to standardize a protocol for large scale propagation of this threatened Himalayan plant species using rhizome cuttings as explants. Callus was obtained when the rhizome explants were inoculated on MS medium containing different concentrations of auxins either alone or in combination, 2, 4-D at a concentration of 0.5 mg/l was found to be most effective in callus production in a time period of 30 days. Callus derived from rhizome explants differentiated into shoots on MS medium supplemented with different concentrations of auxins (IAA, IBA) and (BAP). Maximum number of shoots (2.8±0.2) was regenerated on MS medium supplemented with BAP (5.0 mg/l) and IAA (2.0 mg/l) after 16 days.