The first experiment involving different explants and concentrations of 2,4-D and kinetin showed highly significant differences for length and weight of callus formed except interaction of callus weight. Leaf explant appeared to be best of all for callus length and weight when 1.0 mg/L 2,4-D + 0.25 mg/L kinetin concentration was used. Similarly, different explants versus different concentrations of BAP/GA 3 /IAA showed significant differences for shoot length and leaf number per plantlet and also for root length. However, interaction term confirmed node and node/internode explants produced better results in shoot length and number of leaves per plantlet when concentrations 1 .0 mg/L BAP + 0.1 mg/L GA 3 and 1.0 mg/L BAP + 0.2 mg/L GA 3 , 1.0 mg/L BAP + 0.4 mg/L GA 3 , respectively, were used. Similarly, internode explants produced better results for root length after 21 days plantlet -1 when concentration of 1.0 mg/L IAA + 0.25 mg/L GA 3 was used. Shoot tip explants also produced better results in root length after 28 days plantlet -1 when concentrations 1.0 mg/L IAA + 0.25 mg/L GA 3 were used.

The influence of media composition on callus induction and subsequent regeneration of Rauwolfia serpentina L. Benth has been studied. High frequency (96.43%) callus induction was obtained when nodal segments from in vitro raised shoots were cultured on MS medium supplemented with 0.5 mg L(-1) BA and 2.0 mg L(-1) NAA. The callus differentiated into adventitious shoots when it was subcultured on MS medium supplemented with 2.0 mg L(-1) BA with 0.2 mg L(-1) NAA. Regenerated shoots were best rooted on half-strength MS medium with 1.0 mg L(-1) each of IBA and IAA.

No abstract