Micropropagation of <i style="">Adhatoda vasica</i> Nees–A woody medicinal plant by shoot tip culture<b style=""></b>

Abstract

Exudation was overcome during shoot tip (1 cm) culture of <i style="">Adhatoda vasica</i> by modifying the <i style="">p</i>H of the media and by lowering the concentrations of NH₄⁺and K⁺ ions. Though shoot formation occurred in media supplemented with BA (2 mg L^-1), 96.67% of the shoots developed callus at the cut basal end and the explants turned brown and necrotic due to the phenolic exudates released into the medium. Development of callus tissue and browning was eliminated by culturing the shoot tip explants on primary MS medium supplemented with thiadiazuron (0.30 mg L^-1) and coconut milk (15%) which also promoted development of shoots but with stunted curled leaves. Shoots (5.2) with healthy leaves were obtained when these shoots were transferred to a secondary MS medium supplemented with 0.5 mgL^-1 BA. Incorporation of coconut milk (15%) in the secondary MS medium had a growth promontory effect. High frequency rooting (9.33) was recorded in MS basal medium. The rooted plantlets were hardened and established at 85% rate in pots.