Biochemistry & Analytical Biochemistry

Abstract

Rapid In-Vitro Regeneration of an Important Medicinal and an Ornamental Plant (Catharanthus roseus L)

Runa Rashmi and Trivedi MP

Catharanthus roseus (L.) is an important alkaloid-yielding medicinal and ornamental plant belonging to family Apocynaceae. It comprises of total 8 species. The genus Catharanthus is well reported for producing biologically active terpenoid indole alkaloids (TIAs) with over 130 compounds isolated and identified. This plant produces secondary metabolites called alkaloids which have a great medicinal importance such as circulatory ailments (antihypertensives), ajmalicine to treat diabetes, malaria, menorrhagia, Hodgkin’s disease. This plant is grown commercially for its medicinal and ornamental uses in India. In view of these facts the study was conducted for micropropagation of Catharanthus roseus MS media supplemented with different concentrations (0.5–10.0 mg/l) of NAA, 2, 4-D, BAP and KIN were used singly and in combination. Among all the growth hormones 2, 4-D was the best for callus induction (85% in stem and 87% in leaf) and in combination 2, 4-D and BAP (65% in stem and 81% in leaf). Day of callus induction started from 13th to 37th day. This variation is due to the differences in culture conditions and the age of explants. In single combination BAP was the best for shooting (79%) and in double combinations BAP (1.5 mg/l) and NAA (0.5 mg/l) were the best for shooting (85%). Higher induction of root (91%) was observed at NAA (2 mg/l) and in double combinations BAP (1.5 mg/l) and NAA (0.5 mg/l) were the best for rooting (89%). Regenerated plants after hardenings were transferred to soil and they showed 77% survival. The protocol was optimized by manipulations of different plant hormones for enhanced multiplication. Protocol explained here provides a rapid plant regeneration system which could be used for the commercial purposes.