Abstract
Forest trees in general and those belonging to family Fabaceae in particular, have proved to be recalcitrant for propagation through tissue culture. Saraca asoca (Roxb.) Willd. (Family-Caesalpinaceae) is one such tree which has become vulnerable in nature due to over exploitation of its bark. Four nutrient media [MS (Murashige and Skoog Medium), WPM (Woody Plant Medium), B5 (Gamborg’s Medium) and NN (Nitsch and Nitsch Medium, 1969)] and five doses of BA (N6-Benzyladenine) (0, 2.2, 4.4, 8.8 and 17.8 μM) and their all possible interactions were tested for shoot induction and proliferation from nodal segments of 3-year-old plants. B5 medium supplemented with 2.2 μM BA was screened out as the most suitable medium shoot induction, proliferation and elongation of regenerated shoots. In order to enhance shoot number, the nitrogen source in B5 medium was modified and five strengths of KNO3 (0.25×, 0.5×, 1.0×, 1.25× and 1.5×) were tested. The different strengths of KNO3 (Potassium nitrate) had statistically significant effect on number of shoots and on 0.25× strength of KNO3, maximum number of shoots (1.92) were obtained. The modified strengths of KNO3 did not significantly affect the elongation of shoots. Effect of 5 durations (quick dip, transfer of shoots after 1 day, after 3 days, after 5 days and after 7 days) of pulse treatment with 200 μM IBA (Indole-3-butyric acid) in 1/2 strength MS liquid medium was tested. Thereafter, the shoots were transferred to semi-solid half strength MS medium supplemented with 0.2 μM IBA and 3.96 μM phloroglucinol. Pulse treatment of 5 days duration resulted in 37.5% in vitro rooting of shoots. Plantlets were hardened in soilrite soaked with half strength MS medium in culture room and later shifted to a soil mixture in shade house.
Highlights
Saraca asoca (Roxb.) Willd. (Family-Caesalpinaceae, commonly known as sita-ashoka or sorrowless tree) is a small evergreen tree found wild along streams or in the shade of evergreen forests throughout India up-to an altitude of 750 m [1]
To the best of our knowledge, this study has reported modification in strength of KNO3 in the Gamborg’s medium 1968 (B5) medium for the first time
A simple randomized block design experiment was conducted for rooting of in vitro shoots comprising of two step culture process as follows: In the first step, the shoots were pulse-treated with Indole butyric acid (IBA)
Summary
Saraca asoca (Roxb.) Willd. (Family-Caesalpinaceae, commonly known as sita-ashoka or sorrowless tree) is a small evergreen tree found wild along streams or in the shade of evergreen forests throughout India up-to an altitude of 750 m [1]. Field studies reveal inadequate wild populations of S. asoca to cater to the needs of Indian herbal industry This species exists only as avenue trees and not as a sizeable wild or planted population in India. The analgesic potential of hydrogels of silver nanoparticles using Saraca asoca bark extract has been reported [4] It is one of the most sacred trees of the Hindus and Buddhists, the flowers being much used for religious ceremonies [5]. As the species belongs to Family-Caesalpinaceae whose members are reported to be recalcitrant to tissue culture, efforts were made to standardize nutrient media and thereafter modify the strength of KNO3 in the medium in order to enhance shoot induction For this purpose, four commonly used media were tried. To the best of our knowledge, this study has reported modification in strength of KNO3 in the B5 medium for the first time
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