Abstract
The effect of bavistin and the ethylene inhibitor (silver thiosulphate) on shoot regeneration using nodal explants of Asclepias curassavica (L). has been investigated. Among the different concentrations studied, highest number of shoots was obtained on MS media with 200 mg/L bavistin. Among the varying concentrations (10-100 μM/L) of silver thio-sulphate tested, highest number of shoots was obtained on MS medium amended with 60 μM/L silver thiosulphate without growth regulators. This study also establishes the stronger cytokinin like activity of bavistin. Effect of different growth additives like coconut milk, ascorbic acid and casein hydrolysate were tested on direct shoot regeneration. Among the different growth additives tested casein hydrolysate showed better and reproducible result at 0.025% in combination with 3 mg/l KN + 0.5 mg/l NAA. Antioxidants, activated charcoals and polyvinyl pyrrolidone were used to remove phenolics. Activated charcoal removed the phenolic exudates completely at 0.025% and prevented the browning of media and thus enhanced the frequency of regeneration (85%). The microshoots developed through in vitro regeneration were transferred to rooting media containing IBA alone and in combination with KN and the highest number of roots was observed on MS medium with IBA 1 mg/L + 0.2 mg/L KN.
Highlights
Asclepias curassavica (L.) (Tropical milkweed) is an erect, evergreen sub shrub belonging to the sub family Asclepiadoideae, in Apocynaeceae family [1]
Bavistin in direct shoot regeneration appeared to have much stronger cytokinin-like activity
Benzimidazoles are a group of organic fungicides with systemic action that are extensively used in agriculture [19]
Summary
Asclepias curassavica (L.) (Tropical milkweed) is an erect, evergreen sub shrub belonging to the sub family Asclepiadoideae, in Apocynaeceae family [1]. Its root extracts are widely used as an emetic and laxative. A decoction of the plant is used as an abortifacient. Roots are of medicinal importance (termed “Pleurisy root”) and are used as an expectorant for pneumonia, lung problems, treat warts, fever, ringworm and bleeding. Asclepiadoideae plants are source of cytotoxic and cardiac glycosides consisting of highly valuable products of medicinal importance. World wide shift towards herbal medicinal inclination over synthetic pharmaceuticals has resulted in overexploitation of number of plants with medicinal values. Of known important drugs sources are being exploited a great deal as they are the only source of these drugs and in their effectiveness in production.
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