Rapid propagation of Celastrus paniculatus Willd.: an endangered medicinal plant through indirect organogenesis

Abstract

A rapid and efficient propagation system through callus explant derived from leaf was established in Celastrus paniculatus Willd., a medicinal plant of the Celastraceae family. Seed dormancy and vegetative propagation render it for developing an in vitro regeneration method. Murashige and Skoog (MS) media containing 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP), 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), 1-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) and with various concentrations of BAP + NAA, BA + 2,4-D and BAP + IAA produced different natures of calli. Moreover, BAP + NAA produced friable callus, whereas BAP + 2, 4-D produced compact calli, which were transferred to the shoot initiation medium containing BAP supplemented with ascorbic acid and each of adenine sulfate, arginine and citric acid. Inclusion of meta-topolin in the media along with optimum concentration of BAP promoted shoot multiplication and elongation after 8 weeks of culture. The in vitro elongated shoots were treated with different auxins such as IAA (Indole 3 Acetic Acid), IBA (Indole-3-butyric acid) and NAA (Naphthalene acetic acid) individually for early rooting and the treated shoots were transferred to the half-strength MS medium. The regenerated plantlets were acclimatized in pots containing sterilized soil and sand and then transferred to the field conditions, 90% of the regenerants survived. Thus, this was the first report on indirect organogenesis of C paniculatus Willd. using callus explant obtained from direct organogenesis leaf.