Development of protocol for in vitro culture and rapid propagation of Wedelia chinensis (Osbeek) Merr.

Abstract

Three different explants of Wedelia chinensis (Osbeek) Merr. namely nodal segment (NS), shoot apex (SA) and leaf segment (LS) were grown on MS basal medium supplemented with different combinations and concentrations of cytokinin (BAP and Kn) and auxin (IAA and NAA). Nodal segment and shoot apex underwent direct organogenesis giving rise to multiple shoot buds and the response was dependent on both PGR combinations and type of explant. The maximum number of multiple shoot buds/explant (7.5±0.27) was developed from nodal segment culturing on MS +3.0 mg/l BAP+0.5 mg/l IAA. But shoot apex explant produced longest shoot (5.12±0.17 cm) when only 2.0 mg/l Kn was used in MS medium. Elongated multiple shoot buds were grown on rooting media. Half strength MS fortified with 2.0 mg/l IBA was found better for induction and proliferation of roots. The in vitro developed complete plantlets were acclimatized in outer environment through successive phases of acclimatization. On an average 80% of the seedlings could be finally established in pots. Key words: In vitro, micropropagation, protocol, Wedelia chinensis.