Conservation of Manjishtha–Rubia cordifolia L. through Nodal Culture

Abstract

Aim: Manjishtha—Rubia cordifolia L. (family: Rubiaceae) is an important medicinal plant and used in various Ayurvedic formulations. Plant parts like roots, stems, leaves and fruits are being used to treat various respiratory and skin diseases. Manjistha is excessively collected from natural habitat and becoming rare and vulnerable in different parts of country. Therefore, it is decided to develop a systematic in vitro protocol for rapid multiplication of the plant. Materials and methods: Nodal segments collected from healthy, desease free plant were used as explants. Pretreated and surface sterilized nodal segments were implanted on to MS basal medium as well as MS fortified with different concentrations of plant growth regulators viz., BAP, TDZ, Kn, NAA, IAA, IBA singly or in combinations. Then, the cultures were incubated at 22°C ± 2°C for 8 hours photoperiod with light intensity of 3000 lux. Results: Maximum number of shoots (20–25) developed from the nodal segments inoculated on MS + TDZ (0.5 mg/l) + 0.1% PVP liquid medium. The best rooting (2–3 roots) were developed in MS + IBA (2 mg/l) in 8 to 14 days. Conclusion: The in vitro protocol developed would be beneficial to multiply the plants of R. cordifolia on large scale within the short period with low cost and to conserve the plant.