Purpose: Rauwolfia serpentina (L.) Benth, from the family, Apocynaceae, is an important medicinal plant due to the alkaloid content of its root. The purpose of this study was to obtain roots directly from leaf explant using growth regulators. Methods: The leaf explant was inoculated on MS (Murashige and Skoog) medium supplemented with single and combinations of growth regulators. Root growth was also observed on liquid MS medium and under dark conditions. The reserpine content of the roots obtained was determined by HPLC.Results: Two combinations of auxins namely, para-amino benzoic acid (PABA) + α-naphthalene acetic acid ( NAA), and 3-Indole butyric acid (IBA) + NAA, promoted better root growth compared to single auxin treatment. The highest number of roots and regeneration response was observed on leaf explant cultured on MS media supplemented with PABA (1 mg l -1 ) + NAA (4 mg l -1 ). Liquid MS media gave slower growth, reduced number of roots, shorter root length as well as absence of reserpine, using the same combination of growth regulators, compared to solid MS media. The culture incubated under dark conditions produced thin roots. HPLC analysis of the regenerated roots indicated low alkaloid (reserpine) content (0.01 -0.03). However, higher alkaloid content (0.03%) was observed in cultures with fewer numbers of roots. Conclusion: A simple and reliable protocol for direct induction of roots from leaf explant of R. serpentina using plant growth regulators has been developed.

Two different methods of in vitro multiplication of Rauwolfia serpentina from nodal explants were compared viz. multiplication via callus morphogenesis and that via shoot proliferation from axillary buds. The second method was found to be far better. The optimum shoot proliferation occurred on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 1 mg/L naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) and 2 mg/L of benzyl aminopurine (BAP). The best rooting of shoots occurred on MS medium containing 4% sucrose and 1 mg/L of NAA. Solid and liquid MS media were found to be similar in supporting shoot proliferation. The plants produced were successfully hardened and established in soil. An easy, reliable and reproducible protocol was developed for in vitro micropropagation of Rauwolfia serpentina from nodal explants.

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The current global water crisis, caused by factors such as population growth, urbanization, and climate change, has a significant impact on agriculture, which consumes 70% of the world's freshwater. One potential solution to this problem is the use of intelligent irrigation systems. Cloud-based smart irrigation systems offer a more efficient and cost-effective approach to water consumption management. This study examines the concept of cloud-based smart irrigation systems, their advantages, and their potential application in agriculture. To begin, the authors detail the various components of a cloud-based smart irrigation system, including sensors, controllers, and cloud computing. They then explore the benefits of cloud-based systems, which include scalability, cost-effectiveness, and real-time data processing capabilities. They also delve into the different types of sensors used in smart irrigation systems, such as soil moisture, weather, and crop sensors, as well as their respective advantages and limitations. Furthermore, they discuss the various controllers utilized in smart irrigation systems, such as scheduling, sensor-based, and weather-based controllers. They elaborate on how these controllers function and the advantages they offer in terms of water conservation and crop yield optimization. Lastly, they examine the practical application of cloud-based smart irrigation systems in agriculture, including how to create, implement, and tailor the system to suit the specific requirements of a particular farm. They also consider potential barriers to adoption, such as cost and technological complexity, and how to overcome them. In short, cloud-based smart irrigation systems present a promising solution to the water crisis in agriculture. These systems can significantly reduce water waste, increase crop yield, and save costs by utilizing cloud computing technology to manage irrigation. With careful planning, installation, and configuration, cloud-based smart irrigation systems have the potential to be an effective tool for farmers in improving their productivity and sustainability.