In vitro callus induction in inflorescence segments of medicinally important endangered plant Rauwolfia serpentina (L.) Benth. ex Kurz – a step towards ex situ conservation

Abstract

The regenerative competence of inflorescence segments of Rauwolfia serpentina was assessed in M (Mitra et al., 1976) medium and its combinations with growth adjuncts such as cytokinins [N 6 -benzyladenine (6-BA -0.5, 1.0 mg l -1 ), furfurylaminopurine (Kn-0.5, 1.0mg l -1 ) and auxin [α-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA -0.5, 1.0 mg l -1 )]. Inflorescence segments (1.00 cm in length) were used as explants. The regeneration response was obligatory to the use of growth regulators in the medium. Cytokinins favoured shoot bud mediated pathway of plantlet development and BAP favoured early shooting. The explants callused in NAA enriched medium. The callus was best maintained in NAA (0.5 mg l -1 ) through repeated sub-culturing. The entire plant of R. serpentina is the target of massive commercial collections resulting into shrinking habitats. Present study is the first ever report on the successful use of inflorescence segments for ex situ conservation of R. serpentina.

Ameliorated reserpine production via in vitro direct and indirect regeneration system in Rauvolfia serpentina (L.) Benth. ex Kurz.

“…However, reported the use of a higher dose of 2,4-D (5 mg/l) along with 2 mg/l NAA for callus induction in R. serpentina. Contrary to the present study, Singh et al (2009), Saravanan et al (2011), Rani et al (2014, Kaur (2018), and Pant and Joshi (2018) had obtained maximum callus induction using PGRs like BA, KIN, NAA, IBA, and IAA, instead of using 2,4-D.…”

“…Reports of Rohela et al (2013) also highlighted the use of TDZ (2.27 µM) for successful shoot regeneration. In the same way, Kaur (2018) also reported high callus induction using solely BA or KIN. Contrary to the result of the present study, in most of the other reports related to shoot regeneration from calli, BA + NAA combinations were frequently used , Mallick et al 2012, Rashmi and Trivedi 2016.…”