A protocol for efficient and rapid regeneration of medicinal plant (Valeriana officinalis L.) was developed by in vitro culture of crown division. The effect of three different culture media, MS, B5 and MB (a new combined medium) containing 12 combinations of BAP and NAA was evaluated on regeneration and growth parameters. Results revealed a significant response of media used for shoot regeneration. The best frequency of regenerated plantlets (80%) and number of regenerated shoots (9.43) were obtained on MB containing BAP (0.5 mg/l) + (0.25 mg/l). The maximum length of shoots was found in the MB with BAP (1 mg/l) + (0.5 mg/l). A positive influence of time was noticed on rooting of regenerated shoots. All acclimatized plantletswere successfully established in a greenhouse and showed normal growth. This protocol provides a technique for mass propagation of valerian and helpful for future genetic improvement studies.

Valeriana officinalis, commonly known as valerian, is native to Europe and Asia and has economic importance as a medicinal plant. The effects of auxins (2,4-D and NAA) on callus induction were studied in vitro using basal piece of leaf + petiole (L1) and middle piece of leaf (L2) ). The results revealed that the effect of explant type on callogenesis was also significant. In contrast to KIN or TDZ, addition of IBA to BAP showed positive synergistic effect for plant regeneration and shoot number per callus.