IN VITRO PROPAGATION OF SHOOTS AND CALLUS INDUCTION OF GYMNEMA SYLVESTRE R. BR. “AN IMPORTANT ANTI-DIABETIC PLANT”

Objective: The objective of this research was to establish and develop a protocol for the mass multiplication and callus induction of an anti-Diabetic plant-G. sylvestre R. Br.Methods: Sterilized explants (Nodal segment and leaf) were used for the initiation of culture. They were cultured on MS medium supplemented with a variety of PGRs (BAP, Kn, IBA, 2,4-D) individually or in combinations.Results: The induction of multiple shoots from nodal segments were highest in MS medium supplemented with 2.0 mg/l Kn and in BAP Maximum shoots were obtained on MS medium fortified with 1 mg/l BAP. For rooting different concentration of IBA were used and highest rooting was recorded on MS medium supplemented with 2.0 mg/l IBA. The rooted Plantlets were hardened initially in culture room conditions and then transferred to mist house. Leaf petiole explants were used for the purpose of callus induction. Best growth was observed in MS medium supplemented with 2,4-D. 1.0 mg/l 2,4-D+0.5 mg/l BAP, 1.0 mg/l 2,4-D+1.5 mg/l Kn.Conclusion: The results obtained in this research work clearly indicated that Kn is a better choice than BAP for the culture initiation. 2 mg/l IBA was proved best for root induction. For callus induction, 1 mg/l 2,4-D gave good results and when callus was sub-cultured on 2,4-D with BAP or Kn then 1.0 mg/l 2, 4-D+1.5 mg/l Kn proved best for mass propagation of callus.