Zeitschrift für Pflanzenbiochemie und -physiologie
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Abstrakt

In Vitro PlantGermination, Micro propagation and Plantlet Formation of Withania somnifera (L.) DUNAL

Dr. Peenu Mahendra, Dr. Varsha Nigam Gour

Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal known as Ashwagandha is commonly used in traditional Indian medicine system. In the present study, different explants of W. Somnifera were used for establishing cultures, including seeds, axillary and apical shoots etc. For surface sterilization the seeds were washed with water for several times and then treated with 0.1% HgCl₂ (mercuric chloride) solution for 5-10 minutes and followed by sterile distilled water for four times. The seeds were then inoculated on MS nutrient basal medium of different concentration with MS vitamins, supplemented with Cytokinins like BAP, KN, with sucrose (20 g/l) and gelled with agar (4.5 g/l). To optimize the medium concentration of the medium, and Cytokinins (BAP and KN) for seed germination, the seeds were induced on MS with BAP or KN (0.1 to 1.0 mg/l) alone or in combination, with sucrose (20 g/l). In addition, Auxins like IAA or NAA, (0.1 to 1.0 mg/l) alone or in combination were also tested for seed germination and were added to MS basal medium with different concentration of sucrose (10 to 40 g/l). Results shows that germinated seedlings raised 2-3 cm in length after 20-25 days and were used for multiplication. Axillary, Apical bud and hypocotyle, part of the seedlings give better response for shoot initiation in the medium MS containing BAP (0.5-1.0 mg/l) with NAA (0.5 mg/l). One to two shoot buds initiated within 10 days. From the meristem and from the base of the shoot. hypocotyls region produced direct shoot in the medium containing NAA.