Rapid in vitro shoot multiplication through hypocotyl segment culture in calotropis gigantea r. Br.

Abstract

Micro propagation is a handy technique for rapid multiplication of plants. Micro propagation allows the production of large number of plants from small pieces of the stock plant in relatively short period of time. The seedling organs such as epicotyl and hypocotyl are very good source of starting materials for rapid regenerations. In the present study either only 6-Benzylaminopurine (BAP) or in combination with indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) promoted multiplication of shoots in hypocotyl and epicotyl segments at 10µM concentration. Direct regeneration of shoots from cut ends of hypocotyls is greatly influenced by the hormonal balance and type. Only BAP could induce significant number of shoots with in a short time along with Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) rather than with naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) or 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D). Adventitious shoot regeneration was strongly influenced by the explant type, shoot production being highest when hypocotyls were placed on medium with 10µM BAP and in combination of IAA. Shoot elongation was also achieved on medium containing 10µM BAP and IAA. The Plant Growth Regulators (PGR) combinations like BAP and IAA were found to be very ideal growth promoting substances for inducing tissue culture regeneration in this species through seedling organs.