In vitro propagation of Althaea rosea - a valuable medicinal plant of Kashmir Himalaya

Abstract

Althaea rosea, commonly known as Hollyhock is an ornamental and medicinal plant. A. rosea has been reported to contain highest amount of tannins, carbohydrates, cyanide and mucilage. The purpose of this study was to optimize conditions for multiplication of Althaea rosea using shoottip explants. Varying concentrations solo and in combinations of auxins and cytokinins were experimented. The development of micro-propagation protocol for this valuable medicinal plant can ensure continuous supply of the plant product for pharmaceutical and food industry. In this regard an efficient and reproducible micro-propagation protocol has been developed using Murashige and Skoog’s (MS) (1962) medium augmented with different phytohormonal combinations like BAP, NAA, IBA and IAA. Both direct and indirect multiplication was obtained using in vitro raised shoot tip explants. Maximum shoot number was obtained using combination of BAP and NAA and rooting of isolated shoots was obtained using IBA. 60% of the transplanted plantlets survived under laboratory conditions.