Tinospora cordifolia (Willd.) Miers ex Hook. F. & Thoms is one of the significant medicinal plants used in traditional ayurvedic treatment. In current study, an effectual and reproducible plant regeneration system was established via indirect organogenesis from inoculated leaf discs excised from one-year-old greenhouse-established plant. During the shoot multiplication, leaching of phenolics was evident commonly and to elude this, two adjuvants namely: ascorbic acid and activated charcoal were used. Supplementation of 100 mgl-1 ascorbic acid in amalgamation with 5.0 gL-1 activated charcoal with appropriate plant growth regulators to MS medium abridged phenol secretion eventually leading to enhanced plantlet regeneration and diminished leaf defoliation. An average (11-12) initiation days was observed for callus initiation on MS medium amended with 3.0 mg L-1 2, 4-D with 100 % callus induction aptitude with a mean fresh weight of 13.20g. Maximum shoot proliferation (84.34%), shoot numbers (5.12±0.24) with bigger length (5.84±0.29 cm) and leaf numbers (6.12±028) were attained on MS medium supplemented with 1.5 mg L-1 BAP in association with 2.0 mg L-1 Kn after 40 days of culture. The highest (82.82%) response of root initiation, number of roots (4.12±0.24) with greater length (5.14±0.28 cm) was recorded on 1/2 MS medium amended with 1.0 mg L-1 IBA after 45 days of transferring of shootlets in rooting medium. Among different potting mixtures, maximum survival (75%) with highest plant height (16.12±0.42cm) was evident in amalgamation of cocopeat: vermiculite (1:1) under greenhouse circumstances after 45 days of hardening. Plants after acclimatization established well in nature. Though the characters were not counted quantitatively, regenerants seemed phenotypically normal and true-to-the types.

ABSTRACT Rhipsalis baccifera is a horticulturally important ornamental cactus commonly found in urban households worldwide. This study aims to identify optimal conditions for both conventional vegetative propagation and in vitro tissue culture techniques to support large-scale commercial production. For vegetative propagation, six potting mixtures and three shade levels were tested over five months using stem cuttings as explants. A combination of 80% shade and unsieved mature plant-based, 6-month-aged compost medium resulted in the most successful rooting (100%) of stem cuttings. Subsequently, four compost-based media and three rooting hormones were evaluated, with ‘Clonex®’ and ‘Rapid Root’ producing significantly higher growth and a rooting percentage above 80% across all growth media types. In parallel, direct organogenesis was assessed through tissue culture using different concentrations of plant growth regulators. Rooting was observed at 53.3% and 66.6%, respectively, in treatments with 0.9 µM 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D): 2.21 µM 6-Benzylaminopurine (BAP) and 0.9 µM 2,4-D: 4.43 µM BAP. The findings contribute valuable insights for both vegetative and tissue culture-based propagation of R. baccifera, facilitating its commercial-scale multiplication.

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) serves as a food source for humans and forage for animals. However, its production is affected by disease-causing fungi, of which Macrophomina phaseolina is a significant pathogen. Trichoderma was employed as a biofungicide to manage the disease in the screenhouse. Three strains of Trichoderma asperellum were isolated from the soil. The fungal spore suspensions of the Trichoderma strains were prepared, formulated into seven different treatment combinations, and applied to the cowpea potted soil five days after the germination of the cowpea to investigate their biocontrol ability on M. phaseolina and assess their effects on cowpea growth. The experiment's results showed that cowpea plants treated with T. asperellum differed significantly in plant height, stem girth, and leaf number compared to those treated with M. phaseolina alone (p < 0.05). Trt3 (54.6815 cm), Trt1 (54.0125 cm), and Trt5 (52.9375 cm) gave a higher plant height than in control 1 (M. phaseolina-treated cowpea - 44.9667 cm). Also, Trt7 (0.5413) and Trt3 (0.5258) gave a higher stem girth than in control 1 (M. phaseolina-treated cowpea - 0.3333 cm), while Trt6 (20.292) gave a higher leaf number than in control 1 (M. phaseolina-treated cowpea - 8.833). Additionally, Trt3 and Trt7 exhibited disease incidences of 22% and 67%, respectively, compared to control 1, which had a 100% incidence. Meanwhile, Trt7 showed 8% disease severity, compared to control 1, which had 100%. Therefore, post-germination Trichoderma application proved to be an effective strategy for controlling M. phaseolina, and it also has the potential to enhance cowpea biomass for sustainable food security.

This study aimed to verify the disease causing ability of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. pisi, responsible for wilt disease in pea crops, under controlled conditions. Pea plants displaying typical wilt symptoms were collected and the pathogen was isolated from the collar region using PDA. The fungus formed distinctive white to pinkish-white fluffy colonies with moderate aerial mycelium and was identified by its cultural and morphological characteristics. To confirm the potential of the pathogen, the pathogen was mass-multiplied on sorghum grains and added into sterilized soil in earthen pots. Sterilized seeds of the PSM-3 pea variety were planted and the development of symptoms was observed regularly. Both naturally infected and artificially inoculated plants showed early and late signs of wilt. Early infections (30 days after sowing) caused the stem to shrink near the collar region and sometimes led to seedling collapse. Later infections (60 days after sowing) were characterized by drooping petioles and rachis, gradual yellowing and drying of leaves and total plant wilting. Dissection of infected plants revealed internal browning or blackening of the vascular tissues and poorly developed root systems. All inoculated plants wilted within 45 days and the pathogen were successfully re-isolated in PDA, thus satisfying Koch’s postulates. These results confirm that F. oxysporum f. sp. pisi is highly virulent and can produce typical wilt symptoms in pea, establishing its role as the causal agent of the disease.

Harrisia aboriginium is an endangered cactus endemic to Southwest Florida. This study developed a protocol for sterile micropropagation of this species. The disinfestation protocol this research determined as a best practice for seeds of this species included a 15-minute wash in soapy water followed by a quick dip in 95% ethanol. This was followed by a 15-minute wash in 1.875% sodium hypochlorite solution supplemented with Tween® 20 and finished with three rinses in sterile deionized water. There was vigorous shaking of the vessel containing the seeds and various solutions at all times. Several hundred seeds were introduced into sterile culture successfully using this protocol with a 0% contamination rate and a 98.6% germination rate. The H. aboriginium seedlings germinated and grew well on a medium containing half-strength modified version of the nutrients and vitamins described by Murashige and Skoog, supplemented with 15g/L sugar. The medium was solidified with a combination of 4.1g/L agar and 1.1g/L CP Kelco Gelzan®. To induce shoot multiplication, H. aboriginium seedlings were transferred to the same medium supplemented with various types and concentrations of plant hormones; it was determined that the media supplemented with 6-BAP gave the best multiplication results. Increasing concentrations of 6-BAP in the medium caused increased shoot formation, with the highest rate of 6-BAP addition evaluated (3 mg/L), resulting in an average of 12.2 shoots being produced in four months. Whole shoot clusters or individual separated shoots readily formed roots without the need of supplemental rooting hormone. Plants with roots were transplanted into a substrate composed of half commercial potting soil mix and half perlite v/v. Plants were moved into greenhouse conditions, watered when dry, about once a week, and fed with a diluted Miracle-Gro® Water Soluble All Purpose Plant Food 24-8-16 fertilizer at a concentration of one teaspoon per liter with every watering. Acclimating plants from culture was straight-forward with a 100% survival rate.

Intergenerational plasticity namely parental environmental induction of offspring phenotypic changes, offers a promising pathway for drought adaptation, but the induction mechanisms and adaptive mechanisms are insufficient. To address this, we integrated multi-season soil pot and field experiments with multi-omics analyses to systematically evaluate the intergenerational plasticity of winter wheat. Results showed that parental drought applied during jointing (gametogenesis) significantly augmented offspring grain yield by 33% under severe drought in soil pot, whereas post-anthesis drought failed to enhance offspring yield (-5%, p > 0.05), when compared to the common irrigation regime. Among nine cultivars tested, only JM22, China's most widely cultivated cultivar, exhibited synergistic physiological improvements and the strongest adaptive intergenerational plasticity, increasing grain yield by 10.5% under field drought conditions. JM22's offspring from drought-primed parents showed enhanced assimilate transport, delayed leaf senescence, improved root plasticity, and higher water-use efficiency. Remarkably, two consecutive generations of drought exposure further amplified this yield benefit to 15.2%. Genome-wide DNA hypomethylation and transcriptomic reprogramming underpinned this enhanced resilience. Our study reveals that adaptive intergenerational plasticity in wheat is driven by a finely-tuned resource re-allocation strategy that balances drought defense with reproductive growth, a process consolidated over generations through epigenetic mechanisms.

This study investigated the germination and seedling growth of Tamarindus indica, focusing on overcoming seed dormancy to enhance its sustainable propagation and utilization. As a highly valued tropical species, T. indica offers significant ecological, medicinal, and industrial benefits but faces challenges such as habitat loss and dormancy-related low germination rates. Using seeds obtained from Kaduna, Nigeria, the research applied four dormancy-breaking methods: normal water soaking, hot water treatment, mechanical scarification, and varying concentrations of sulfuric acid. Germination performance and early growth were assessed under controlled conditions using germination incubators and polythene bag setups with potting mixtures. Phytochemical analyses revealed the presence of important secondary metabolites, including flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, and saponins, emphasizing the plant's medicinal potential. The results showed significant (p<0.05) variations in germination and seedling vigor among the treatments, with sulfuric acid demonstrating the highest efficacy in breaking dormancy and promoting uniform germination. These findings show the importance of selecting appropriate dormancy-breaking methods for enhancing the cultivation of T. indica. The study presents the need for conservation and sustainable agricultural practices to prevent the extinction of this valuable species while promoting its industrial and ecological utility. This research contributes critical insights for afforestation programs, pharmaceutical raw material production, and biodiversity conservation, ensuring the long-term availability of T. indica for future generations.

To investigate the immobilization effects of biochar-supported nano zero-valent iron/chlorapatite composite on lead （Pb） and cadmium （Cd） contamination in soil, as well as its influence on plant heavy metal uptake, a series of soil incubation and pot experiments were conducted. The study examined the impact of the composite on soil pH, cation exchange capacity （CEC）, organic matter （OM） content, and the speciation of Pb and Cd in soil. The results demonstrated that the composite significantly increased soil pH, CEC, and OM content while transforming Pb and Cd from acid-extractable and reducible forms to oxidizable and residual forms. The Pb content in the above-ground and root tissues of amaranth plants decreased by 31.94% and 38.34%, respectively, while the Cd content decreased by 63.68% and 49.45%, respectively. Further analysis revealed significant correlations （P<0.05） between the acid-extractable and residual fractions of Pb and Cd in soil and the heavy metal content in amaranth plants. These findings suggest that the biochar-supported zero-valent iron/chlorapatite composite exhibits excellent potential for immobilizing active Pb and Cd in soil, improving soil physicochemical properties, and reducing heavy metal uptake by plants. These composites hold promise for the remediation of Pb and Cd-contaminated soils.

Abstract Urban vegetation is exposed to intense environmental stress and anthropogenic disturbance, which can strongly constrain plant growth and development. Urban soils differ from natural soils in structure and functionality, being characterized by high compaction and elevated levels of pollutants. They frequently contain anthropogenic materials such as construction and demolition waste (CDW) and asphalt residues (AS), which further alter soil features. Due to their abundance and inert nature, the reuse of these materials as alternative substrates for urban green infrastructure warrants experimental investigation. This study assessed the effects of asphalt and two types of sands frequently used in pavement construction, namely standard sand (SS) and recycled sand (RS), on the germination and early development of Borago officinalis . Seeds were sown in trays filled with the test substrates, while potting soil (SO) served as control treatment. We monitored seed germination success, seedling emergence, mortality, biomass accumulation, and evaluated morpho-anatomical and physiological traits such as leaf area, shoot and root dry weight, stomatal density, stomatal conductance, and photochemical efficiency. Seedling emergence and survival were significantly reduced in AS, where mortality reached 60% and leaf development was strongly delayed. As expected, SO plants exhibited the highest biomass and physiological performance, with greater transpiration and lower stomatal density, indicating favourable water use efficiency. Overall, our findings suggest that while AS is unsuitable for early plant development, recycled CDW materials may serve as alternative, though suboptimal, components in the construction of urban Technosols. Their reuse could ease landfill pressure, limit the environmental costs of natural soil exploitation, and support key ecosystem services, thus aligning with circular economy goals and fostering more sustainable urban greening.

Arsenite (AsIII)-oxidizing bacteria show great potential for mitigating arsenic (As) accumulation in rice plants; however, their molecular mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, our soil pot experiment demonstrated that inoculation with the AsIII-oxidizing bacterium SMS11 decreased porewater As by 94.8% (from 448 to 23.4 μg·kg-1), further reducing shoot As by 40.6% (from 6.02 to 3.58 mg·kg-1) and increasing shoot biomass by 78.3% (from 2.34 to 4.17 g). In the hydroponic experiment, ionomics revealed that SMS11 inoculation mitigated AsIII-induced changes in the ion content (e.g., P, K, Mg, and Ca) in both rice shoots and roots. Transcriptomics showed an 85% decrease in differentially expressed genes (8332 vs 1247) in shoots. Additionally, key As accumulation genes (e.g., OsLsi1, OsPT4, OsPT8, and OsHAC4) were downregulated by 26.9-84.0%, and disrupted biological processes (e.g., oxidative stress response, ion binding, and photosynthesis) were restored. Altogether, SMS11 inoculation boosts rice resilience by reshaping ionomic and transcriptomic homeostasis under AsIII stress.

Polystyrene-nickel interactions in soil: Implications for metal mobility, plant uptake, and human health.

ABSTRACT For the use of phosphorus (P) in slag, a steel production by-product, as an agricultural fertilizer, we conducted pot cultivation experiments using prototype P concentrated slags as a P source. Maize (Zea mays L.) plants were cultivated as a main crop for 32 days to elucidate mineral uptake by crop plants in a pot culture system. Effects of white lupin (Lupinus albus L.) and blue lupin (L. angustifolius L.) intercropping on mineral uptake by maize were also examined. Growth and P content of monocropped maize were high in the KHP-02 treatment, which used slag with high P availability, and were comparable with those achieved using fused phosphate. However, P uptake by maize was low in the SHP27 treatment, with its lower P availability slag. Growth and P content in maize with applied KHP-02 and fused phosphate were significantly high in intercropping with blue lupin. The pH of post-cultivation pot soil was significantly lower in both lupin species than in maize. These findings suggest that P in the rhizosphere was solubilized by lupin root exudates. The P fractionation of whole soil after cultivation revealed that soluble fractions in the intercropped pots were lower than in monocropped pots of maize, suggesting that the mobilized P in the rhizosphere was accumulated immediately by intercropped plants. Multi-element analysis revealed higher accumulation not only of P but also of other elements such as calcium, silicon, magnesium, iron, and molybdenum than in treatments of KHP-02 and fused phosphate. Ion-profile-based principal component analysis showed that the fertilizer had a strong effect, but no clear differences were found in maize among planting system differences. In conclusion, the P concentrated slag fertilizer has the potential to provide P for crops at levels similar to those obtained using conventional fertilizers. Findings suggest that organic acids in the root exudates of lupins can improve P absorption from slag-derived P.

Agricultural straw serves as a critical sink of soil selenium (Se) that cannot be overlooked, necessitating resource-oriented utilization guided by Se recovery to align with sustainable development goals. This study developed a novel strategy of hydroxyapatite-modified biochar (PBC) application derived from Se-enriched straw for enhanced rice Se and economic benefits through cross-scale investigations encompassing soil incubation, pot experiments, and field trials. Results indicated that rice straw exhibited both a higher Se enrichment factor (59.3%) from soil and concentration (0.211 mg kg-1) than grains. Application of 1% (w/w) PBC (modified at 2% concentration (w/w)) maximally increased soil-available Se and grain Se content by 47.2% and 55.6%, respectively, compared to the control. The soil Se mobilization mechanism involved three synergistic pathways: intrinsic Se release, adsorption suppression, and soil Se activation. Subsequently, PBC augmented Se sequestration in root iron plaques through enhanced iron deposition, then upregulated expression of transmembrane transporter genes (OsSULTR1;2, OsPT2, OsNIP2;1, and OsSULTR2;1), facilitating Se uptake and translocation. Economically, PBC application generated net benefits of US$18,301 per hectare, representing US$1,137 and US$16,476 increases over BC and control, respectively. This study establishes a novel technological framework for closed-loop Se resource recovery in agroecosystems while delivering actionable insights for sustainable development.

This study evaluates a dual-phase phytoremediation system integrating epuvalization hydroponics and potted soil cultivation for the concurrent remediation of lead (Pb) in water and soil. Nerium oleander was cultivated in two systems: a closed-loop hydroponic unit and potted soil, both irrigated with contaminated water (10 ppm Pb). In the hydroponic system, 99.8% of aqueous Pb was removed, reducing the concentration from 10 ppm to 0.02 ppb over 120 days. The soil system exhibited a 93.4% Pb retention (28.03 mg/kg), with significant root bioaccumulation (31.58 ± 9.93 mg/kg) and minimal translocation to shoots, confirming a phytostabilization mechanism. The plant demonstrated pronounced Pb tolerance, showing no significant (p > 0.05) inhibition of height, branch number, or biomass. This resilience is twice that of conventional species. Furthermore, the closed-loop epuvalization design reduced water consumption by 40% compared to conventional methods. These results validate the efficacy and water-saving advantage of this integrated system for the sustainable remediation of Pb-contaminated water and soil, highlighting the superior tolerance of N. oleander. This work establishes Nerium oleander as a robust candidate for dual-phase Pb remediation, combining hydroponic efficiency with soil stabilization, while offering a water-conserving solution for the treatment and agricultural reuse of wastewater in arid regions.

Salinization and overuse of chemical fertilizer restrict usable agricultural land and crop productivity. Biological candidates are needed for sustainable agriculture. Therein, purple nonsulfur bacteria (PNSB) can operate as both a plant growth promoter and a bioremediator. Therefore, the study aimed to determine the how much chemical N fertilizer can be reduced by the nitrogen-fixing purple nonsulfur bacteria (Nf-PNSB) and the effects of Nf-PNSB on the N dynamics, growth, and yield of rice with a two-season experiment. A factorial experiment with two factors having 4 levels each was conducted in a randomized complete block design with 4 replications and 8 plants replication-1. Each replication was a pot of soil with 8 rice plants. Factor A was N fertilizer percentages (100, 75, 50, and 0% N compared to the local recommended fertilization, LRF) and factor B was Nf-PNSB (no bacteria used, singly Rhodobacter sphaeroides S01 used, singly R. sphaeroides S06 used, and mixed R. sphaeroides S01 and S06 used, with a density of 1.6625 × 105 CFU g-1 dry soil). At the same N fertilizer level, treatments with the mixed Nf-PNSB outperformed the ones without bacteria, such as improved soil N availability and plant total N uptake and rice grain yield; and reduced soil Na+ and plant total Na uptake and proline content, in both seasons. Significant interaction effects between N fertilizer and PNSB were detected for most soil, plant, and yield traits. The mixed PNSB strain enhanced soil ammonium content and reduced Na⁺ accumulation under 100% N, but its effect was less consistent at 75% and 50% N. In both seasons, the 75% N + PNSB mixture treatment produced rice yields statistically similar to 100% N alone, although grain yield was slightly lower in season 2. Across N levels, PNSB supplementation generally reduced soil salinity and plant proline content while increasing N uptake. These results suggest that Nf-PNSB can partly compensate for chemical N reduction, particularly at 75% N, but the effects depend strongly on N level and season. Field trials are needed to confirm whether Nf-PNSB can reliably replace 25% of chemical N fertilizer under saline conditions.

Urban substrates alter the nutritional composition of an emerging model insect, Tenebrio molitor.

The most common way to propagate dragon fruit is by stem cutting, which is widely accepted worldwide. However, genetic studies for creation of new varieties, the multiplication of dragon fruit through seeds become equally important. Thus, in order to help the breeding community, the current study was conducted to determine how the fruit grows from seed and what effects various potting mixes have on its early growth. Vermicompost, compost, tea leaf over leaves, rice husk, and soil were among the many media components mixed together in various medium compositions to generate seven potting treatments for the study. Following the seeding of each treatment, the experiment was set up using a completely randomized design and repeated three times. Numerous characteristics related to the early development of seedlings were observed at various points during the plant’s growth. The analysis of the collected data revealed that the combination of soil, cocopeat, and vermicompost had the highest mean germination percentage (89.53%). The plants cultivated in potting mixtures containing soil, cocopeat, and vermicompost as well as soil, cocopeat, and compost had the longest leaves, measuring 0.97 and 0.93 centimetres, respectively. The maximum length of a seedling in a medium composed of soil, cocopeat, and vermicompost was 8.00 cm. Root length (3.47 cm) and number (17.67 no.) were both superior in the same potting mixture. Blends of soil, compost, and cocopeat as well as soil, cocopeat, and vermicompost showed values over 300 in terms of number of areoles, surpassing those of any other combination of medium. The final measurement of chlorophyll accumulation was 12.631 mg/ml for plants produced in a potting mixture of soil, cocopeat, and compost, and 14.694 mg/ml for plants formed in soil, cocopeat, and vermicompost. Therefore, we can conclude that, taken as a whole, soil, cocopeat and vermicompost as well as soil, cocopeat and compost were both suitable to use as potting mixes for the dragon fruit seedlings.

ABSTRACT Pupation is a critical developmental stage for Hermetia illucens L. (Diptera: Stratiomyidae) (black soldier fly, BSF) in mass‐rearing systems, directly influencing adult emergence and reproductive output. This study evaluated six substrate types (sand, wood shavings, topsoil, vermiculite, spent larval substrate, and potting soil) to assess the effects of moisture level and compaction on pupation success, adult emergence, and mortality. Substrate performance varied according to physical properties, including dry matter content, bulk density, and water‐holding capacity. Moist substrates consistently outperformed dry ones, with optimal pupation observed at 10% moisture. Although adult emergence was highest at 40% moisture, elevated moisture levels increased the risk of mold formation in some substrates. In general, 10% moisture achieved not only high percentages of pupation and adults but also reduced mortality while avoiding the risk of mold growth. Mild compaction had no adverse effects on larval development or emergence, suggesting that moderately compacted substrates could be reused to enhance cost efficiency in production systems. Among all tested materials, spent larval substrate emerged as the most practical and economical option due to its availability and effectiveness.

Leucocoprinus birnbaumii, commonly known as the Flowerpot Parasol, is a saprophytic fungus that typically grows in pots and greenhouses. Although this striking yellow species is cosmopolitan, it is uncommon to encounter the species in soil or in non-cultivated environments. In Malaysia, the outdoor occurrence of this species is recorded from unverified citizen science observations. But many of these public observations are based on immature fruiting bodies, which are easily confused with other yellow fungal species and carry a possible risk of misidentification. This study provides the first verified record of outdoor L. birnbaumii fruiting in the soil, a habitat rarely reported for the species. Although it expands the knowledge of its ecological range, its absence in the current survey suggests that the species does prefer humus rich and composted soil in plant pots rather than open ground. Detailed macro- and micromorphological characteristics of the species are also presented to provide reliable reference material for citizen scientists and emphasizes the importance of specimen-based documentation in fungal biodiversity studies. Species monitoring and conservation strategies are also highlighted to ensure this attractive fungal species is protected against extinction risk.

Moringa oleifera is a multi-purpose tree that is gaining popularity as an economic crop because of increasing recognition of its nutritional and medicinal properties. Conventionally, seeds have been employed to propagate Moringa oleifera; the genotypes of trees developed from seedlings often differ from their mother plants, which affecting nutritional value and pod production. Therefore, in the present investigation, a protocol was established to regenerate plantlets through indirect and direct in vitro organogenesis from cultured nodal segments excised from in vitro developed plants. The present study was carried out at the Plant Tissue Culture & Genetic Transformation Laboratory, Department of Plant Molecular Biology & Biotechnology, Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia Agricultural University, Gwalior M.P., India during the years 2021 to 2023. Nodal segments were inoculated on MS medium amended with different concentrations and combinations of auxins and cytokinins. MS medium containing 1.0 mgl-1 2,4-D induced callus in higher frequencies with maximum fresh weight (3.70g) after 60 days of inoculation. The best multiple shoot formation (8.00±0.30) with higher shoot length (9.00±0.27cm) were observed on nutrient media fortified with 1.0 mgl-1NAA in combination with 0.5 mgl-1 BAP. Whereas, maximum numbers of roots per micro shoot (11.00±0.28) with greater length (7.20±0.15cm) were obtained on basal MS media amended with 1.0 mgl-1 IBA. Among different potting mixture combinations, maximum survival (85%) with maximum plant height (12.95±0.17cm) achieved in a cocopeat: vermiculite in 1:1 ratio. The in vitro regenerated plantlets were successfully acclimatized and established under field conditions. Although the characters were not scored quantitatively, regenerated plantlets appeared phenotypically normal and true- to-type.