Callus induction and in vitro regeneration of Ctenolepis garcinii - an important medicinal climber

A R T I C L E I N F O A B S T R A C T Ctenolepis garcinii is an important medicianl climber with numerous therapeutic value in this novel medicinal plant based in vitro investigation was conducted through rapid callus induction and plant regeneration. The internodal, leaf and nodal explants were cultured for callus induction and plant regeneration. Surface steriliza- tion of explants were formulated to get high percentage of contamination free cul- tures. Treatment with 0.1% v/v mercuric chloride for exposure time of 10 minutes showed low percent of contamination and survival rate is very high. The leaf and internodal explants were grown as undifferentiated calli in MS medium supplemented with 0.5 mg/l 2,4-D was most effectual. Highest shoot proliferation response obtained successfully by using MS medium containing 2.0 mg/l BAP about 18 ± 0.4 cm height. The optimal rooting response was observed on MS medium supplemented with 0.5 mg/l NAA of about 8.5 ± 0.2cm length on which 100% of the regenerated shoots developed roots with an average of 7.8 roots per shoot within 3 weeks. The plantlets were acclimatized and transferred to greenhouse with 95% success. This in vitro propagation protocol should be useful for conservation as well as mass propagation of this important medicinal climber.