Abstract:
Leaf and internode explants of Withania coagulans Dunal
were used to evaluate the effect of growth regulators on the in vitrocallus
induction and plant regeneration. Two independent experiments were performed
to establish callus and plant regeneration. In the first experiment, leaf segments
were cultured on MS basal medium fortified with 2, 4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid
(2, 4-D, 2-4 mg L-1) with combination of 6-benzyladenine (BA, 0.5-1
mg L-1) or kinetin (Kin, 0.5-1 mg L-1). Callus initiation
was observed best in all media after 14-16 days (100%). Highest callus growth
in terms of dry weight (76±5.34 mg) was observed in MS medium fortified
with 2 mg L-1 2, 4-D and 0.5 mg L-1 Kin. In the second
experiment, callusing also obtained from internode segments cultured on MS medium
with the presence of 2, 4-D (2-4 mg L-1) in association with BA (0.25-0.5
mg L-1). Best callusing rates (42%) and dry weight (86±3.68
mg) occurred in the presence of 4 mg L-1 2, 4-D with combination
of 0.25 mg L-1 BA. Shoot induction was obtained just from callus
induced from internode explants on MS medium containing BA (2 mg L-1)
with IBA (0.5 mg L-1), but the yield of shoot regeneration was unsatisfactory
(18-33%). Regenerated shoots were rooted best (100%) on half strength MS medium
containing IBA (2 mg L-1) and produced 23 roots with an average root
length of 6.5±0.41 cm. Rooted plantlets transferred to soil and sand
mixture (2:1) showed 75% survival when transferred to outdoor. The procedure
reported here in vitro culture of W. coagulans for first time.
J. Valizadeh and M. Valizadeh, 2009. In vitro Callus Induction and Plant Regeneration From Withania coagulans: A Valuable Medicinal Plant. Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences, 12: 1415-1419.
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