Micro-Rhizome Induction InSying Makhir, An Important Ginger Cultivar Of Meghalaya

Abstract

Protocol was developed for in vitro micro-rhizome induction of ginger cultivar Sying Makhir of Meghalaya. Sprouting shoot buds were excised and used as explants for induction and multiplication of shoots in vitro using Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with different combinations of the plant growth regulators, BAP (6-Benzyl Amino Purine) and NAA (Naphthalene Acetic Acid). The optimum response was shown by the combination of BAP (1 mg/L) + NAA (0.25 mg/L) having 3.00 ± 0.71 shootlets, mean shoot length of 3.18 ± 0.43 cm and 12 to 14 days for shoot induction. The shootlets were cultured in the same medium for shoot multiplication as well as rooting. The plantlets were then individually cultured into MS semi solid medium containing 0.6% agar supplemented with different concentration of sucrose ranging from 6% to 12% and BAP (0, 2 & 4 mg/L) for micro-rhizome induction. The medium containing 8% sucrose and 2 mg/L BAP cultured in photoperiod of 16L/8D, 25 ± 0.5o C and 70% relative humidity was found to be most responsive with 7.3 ± 0.58 numbers of micro-rhizomes, weighing 634.3 ± 20.53 mg and taking 26.7 ± 1.15 days for induction.