Global Journal of Biology, Agriculture & Health Sciences

Abstract

DEVELOPMENT OF PROTOCOL FOR EFFICIENT CALLUSING IN Heliotropium indicum L. AN IMPORTANT MEDICINAL HERB

Meenakshi Priyadarshni, Ritika Kumari & L.N.Shukla

Tissue culture study was carried for the development of protocol for an efficient callusing in Heliotropium indicum L, an important medicinal herb from different explants ( internodal + leaf) in MS medium supplemented with different growth regulators viz., 2,4-D, IBA( 0.5-5mg/l) and BAP (0.5-1.0mg/l) concentrations either alone or in combinations. Internodal segment inoculated in MS basal medium supplemented with 1.5 mg/l 2, 4-D + 1.0 mg/l BAP gave the highest percentage of response for callusing which was 89.8 %. On this medium growth rate was also the best and the callus was white and compact. At this concentration and combination the leaf explants also revealed the highest percentage with respect to callusing, however, it was lower than the nodal explants. Next highest response for callusing in nodal explants was noted in MS + 1.5 mg/l 2, 4-D+ 0.5 mg/l BAP which was 82.6%.This was also true for the leaf explants. The unique medicinal property of Heliotropium indicum is due to the presence of various alkaloids, steroids and terpenoids etc. These chemicals can be extracted from the calli also. Efficient callus induction protocol can be exploited at commercial scale that will support uninterrupted supply of the chemicals at one hand while on the other hand it will support the conservation of species in its natural habitat.

Published Date: 2013-10-04;