Propagation of Plumbago indica L. (Plumbaginaceae) through direct organogenesis and induction of callus

Abstract

Plumbago indica L. is a perennial medicinal herb belongs to Family Plumbaginaceae. This plant has many therapeutic uses in wide array of diseases. Plumbagin is the major bioactive compound in this plant. Tissue culture technology offers an alternative means of vegetative propagation. This research was carried out on callus induction and plantlet regeneration of P. indica. Nodal explants grown in MS medium supplemented with 1.5 mg/L BAP produced the longest shoots (1.82 + 0.3 cm) and maximum multiple shoot induction (5.20 + 0.4) was observed in MS medium supplemented with 2.0 mg/L BAP. Half strength MS medium supplemented with 0.4 mg/L IBA was the best for root induction (9.4 ± 1.1). Best callus induction from leaf disc explants was observed in MS medium supplemented with 3.0 mg/L BAP, 1.5 mg/L Kn and 1.0 mg/L NAA. Regenerated plantlets were transferred to sterilized potting mixture (compost: coir dust: top soil: sand 1:1:1:1) for acclimatization but low survival percentage (25%) was observed.