A protocol was developed for in vitro propagation by multiple shoot induction of Momordica balsamina (Cucurbitaceae), a climber with high medicinal and nutritional values. High frequencies of multiple shoot regeneration were achieved from auxillary bud of nodal explants. The bud explants were cultured on MS media supplemented with 1.0 mg/L benzyl amino purine (BAP) which stimulated proliferation of the bud meristems to form bud clusters having 6 to 8 coefficient. The elongated shoots were subcultured for rooting on ½ MS media supplemented with 0.3 mg/L NAA and 0.2% activated charcoal. The plantlets raised in vitro were acclimatized in green house and successfully transplanted to natural condition with 70% survival. Direct organogenesis of explants and regeneration of M. balsamina offer a good opportunity to use tissue culture as a complementary tool for breeding and genetics for other applications.

Background Traditional herbs are renowned from very ancient time due to historical, mythologicaland medicinal significance. In present scenario, traditional herbs are “Necessity of the new era” because they are also effective for deadly coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Methods To explore to pre-existing knowledge of traditional herbs, we investigated good numbers of participants from different location and age group. Most of the participants belong from age group of 18–25 (79.4%) followed by age group 26–30 (11.8%). Remarkably, good number of female candidate (58.8%) was actively involved as compared to male candidates (41.2%). Maximum number of peoples (26.5%) responded from Kathmandu (Nepal) and Mizoram, (India) followed by Nepalgunj (17.6%, Nepal) and Uttar Pradesh (11.8%, India). Results Interestingly, 82.4% peoples were aware about medicinal plants and 73.5% showed interest for learning. However, 64.7% and 35.3% peoples prefer medicinal herbs and pharmaceutical medicines respectively. Some participants explained that medicinal herbs are effective without side effects but very slow and are not helpful in emergencies. As data indicated 76.5% individuals were given the positive attention for medicinal plants farming.Data depicts that 82.4% individuals have been tried the medicinal herbs (turmeric, basil, giloy and aloe vera) in daily life and cured but 17.6% individuals were not cured after application. Besides, 11.8 % peoples were allergic and rest of the 88.2 % peoples was non-allergic to medicinal herbs and feel considerable positive effect (refresh, relax and glowing skin). Good number of the candidates was known to tulsi (70.6%) and aloe vera (64.7%). However, 14.7% peoples were unconvinced for medicinal herbs efficiency. Conclusion Traditional herbs are undervalued due to lack of knowledge/awareness and low availability in market. Therefore, present survey would be useful for society awarenessand daily consumption may improve the physical and mental health. In future, herbs farming would be good choice for extra income source and sustainable development in both rural and urban community.

The study was conducted at National Research Centre for Agroforestry, Jhansi (U.P.) India. Fresh seeds of Bahera were sun dried, depulped and subjected to three soil media [Red soil+FYM (1:1), Black soil+FYM (1:1) and Red+Black soil+FYM(1:1:1)] and three sowing depths (2.0, 3.0 and 4.0cm) for seed germination in April month. Results indicated that maximum seed germination (94%) was obtained in Red soil + FYM mediaat 2.0cm sowing depth. This treatment recorded quickest initiation and completion of germination(11and 21 days respectively). Seedling growth in terms of plant height, collar diameter and canopy spread and number of leaves was maximum under Red soil+FYM and minimum under Black soil+FYM. In general, plant growth reduced with increase in depth of sowing. However, the differences among various treatments were largely non-significant. Total biomass air dry ranged between 10.52 to 13.90g/plant across the treatments at 6 months stage.