Effects of Nitrogen Content and pH on Micropropagation of Rudraksha (Elaeocarpus ganitrus Roxb.)

Abstract

This study evaluated the effects of pH and inorganic nitrogen sources (KNO3 and NH4NO3) on the regeneration of Elaeocarpus ganitrus Roxb. The pH and nitrogen concentration in the medium were crucial for the successful micropropagation of E. ganitrus. The concentration of nitrogen in the medium significantly affected the development and growth rate of cultures. As a basal medium, Murashige and Skoog's medium (MS) was employed together with various nitrogen concentrations and plant growth hormones. After 4-5 weeks of inoculation, BAP (0.5 mg/l) and NAA (0.1 mg/l) produced the maximum number of shoots (4.42 ± 2.17) among all the growth hormones tested. To obtain the maximum number of shoots and shoot length, different strengths of KNO3 (500-3500 mg/l), NH4NO3 (500-3500 mg/l), and pH (5-7.5) were adjusted in the medium. The largest number of roots was contained in MS medium with 1.0 mg/l NAA (4.47 ± 1.38) after root induction was carried out on MS with NAA, IBA, and IAA (0.2-2.0 mg/l). When the medium contained 1500 mg/l KNO3 and 2000 mg/l NH4NO3 (3.02 ± 1.60), the highest root initiation was observed. The rooting medium with a pH of 6.0 had the most influence and produced the maximum number of roots (4.8 ± 0.48). The plantlets were allowed to harden and acclimate in a greenhouse. A 76% survival rate was noted in the field.