Micropropagation protocol for Salvadora oleoides

Abstract

Salvadora oleoides Decne. is a pharmaceutically important plant. Owing to poor seed formation, viability and, germination, and to anthropogenic disturbances, this species is on the verge of extinction. A reproducible micropropagation protocol to increase the population through tissue culture has been standardized and the results are reported here. Callus tissues were initiated from young leaves and stem explants. Leaf calluses proliferated with 1.5 mg/L BAP and 0.9 mg/L 2, 4-D with additives and continuous slow proliferation up to 15 weeks on 0.5 mg/L BAP and additives with 200 mg/L activated charcoal. Direct shoot initiation took place from stem node explants after 12 days; 4–5 shoots per node were produced in 30 days. Shoot clumps elongated and grew further on MS media supplemented with 2 mg/L BAP, 0.2 mg/L NAA and additives, which generated 20–23 shoots. The elongated shoots induced tap roots with 4 mg/L NAA and 200 mg/L activated charcoal in 12 days. In vitro raised plants produced secondary roots when transferred to pots containing vermiculite maintained at 28–35 °C. The plantlets successfully acclimatised in pots containing soil in natural conditions.