Abstract

The present communication reports an efficient in vitro plantlet regeneration protocol for endemic umbellifer Centella asiatica (L.) urban via callus mediated organogenesis from leaf and stem explants. The plant is pharmacologically very important and its consumption as underutilized green leafy vegetable affluent in micronutrients is communally conscientious for its threatened status. Therefore, there is an importunate need to preserve its germplasm so that pharmacologically active constituent can be made available all over the year without causing loss of species from wild. Optimum callusing was observed in MS + benzylaminopurine (BAP, 0.5 mg/l) + α-napthalene acetic acid (NAA, 0.3 mg/l) in both leaf and stem explants with callus induction frequency 75 and 83.33%, respectively. For shooting, MS + BAP (0.5 mg/l) in leaf and MS + BAP (0.75 mg/l) in stem derived callus were found to be most efficient. Rooting of in vitro raised shoots was best induced on full strength MS media supplemented with indole- 3- butyric acid (IBA, 0.5 mg/l). The regenerated plants were acclimatized in controlled environment and successfully transferred in field condition displaying normal development.

Key words: Centella asiatica, in vitro, micropropagation, organogenesis, plant growth regulators, plant regeneration, tissue culture.

Abbreviation

BA, 6- benzylaminopurine; IAA, indole- 3- acetic acid; IBA, indole- 3- butyric acid; NAA, α-napthalene acetic acid; TDZ, thiodiazuran.