Effect of Growth Additives, Media strength and Sucrose Concentration onin vitroPlant Regeneration from Nodal Explants ofGymnema sylvestre

Abstract

Gymnema sylvestre R.Br. of Asclepiadaceae family is an important endangered medicinal plant having potent anti-diabetic property. Nodal explants were inoculated in half and full MS medium strength with different sucrose concentrations. Plant growth regulators were used at various concentrations (0.2, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0 mg/l). Almost at every concentration shoot primordia were seen within 8–10 days of inoculation. Gymnema sylvestre showed better multiple shooting and regeneration of explants in full strength MS media with 3% sucrose in comparison to ½ MS media. Both BAP and Kinetin in combination with IBA showed better growth rate in terms of number of shoot, length of shoots and number of leaves. 0.5 mg/l BAP, 0.5 mg/l Kinetin and 3.0 mg/l IBA produced maximum number of shoots (7.00±0.70), maximum length of shoots (6.57±0.75 cm) and maximum number of leaves (20.25±1.54). Gibberellic acid at 1.5 mg/l showed most promoting effect on the shoot elongation. Growth additives like adenine sulphate and maltose improved the quality and quantity of in vitro raised shoots from explants. Both ½ and ¼ MS media performed better for rooting in comparison to full strength MS media. In vitro raised plants were hardened and acclimatized in the potting mixture of sterilized perlite, garden soil and sand (1:1:1) in the culture room. After hardening, they were established in the polyhouse and later transferred in the field where they showed 70% survival rate.