Organogenesis and Somatic Embryogenesis for Rapid Multiplication and Regeneration of Polygonatum Verticillatum (L.) : An Ashtavarga Medicinal Herb

Abstract

Polygonatum is a member of Ashtavarga group of medicinal plants that holds high medicinal value in Ayurveda. P. veticillatum (L.) All. is an immunity booster herb. Rhizomes being the medicinally important part of the plant, are harvested from the wild by uprooting the plant, pushing the species at higher threatening risks. Regeneration of this plant through seeds is a slow process as the seeds exhibit double dormancy. Therefore, the study is carried out for the rapid and mass propagation of this medicinal plant through in vitro methods. Leaves and rhizome buds were used as explant for culture establishment. Sterilised explants were inoculated in MS media complimented with various PGRs (mT, IAA, TDZ, NAA, IAA and GA 3 ) and incubated at 25± 2°C with 16/8 hr photoperiod under white LED. Maximum callus (percentage) induction was found in MS medium complemented with TDZ (0.5 mg L -1 ) and 2, 4 -D (1.0 mg L -1 ). Maximum per cent (81.25 ± 3.6) shoot induction was achieved in MS fortified with mT (0.5 mg L -1 ) with maximum (23.67 ± 2.02) no. of shoots/explant. Maximum root (percent) induction (71.33 ± 8.3) was observed in MS medium supplemented with IBA (1.0 mg L -1 ) and maximum no. of roots/explants (10.33 ± 0.6) were observed in NAA (1.0 mg L -1 ) + Kn (0.5 mg L -1 ) fortified MS medium. Maximum per cent embryo induction (62.5 ± 7.2) was achieved in MS containing Kn (2.0 mg L -1 ) + NAA (1.0 mg L -1 ) followed by preparation of synthetic seeds in 2.5% sodium alginate and 2% CaCl 2 .