Abstract
An attempt was made to study the somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration from the in vitro leaf explants of Rumex vesicarius L. a renowned medicinal plant, which belongs to polygonaceae family. Effective in vitro regeneration of R. vesicarius was achieved via young leaf derived somatic embryo cultures. Embryogenic callus was induced from leaf explants on Schenk and Hildebrandt (SH) medium supplemented with various concentrations of 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2,4-D) (0.5 to 3.0 mg/l) along with Kinetin (Kn) (0.5 mg/l). High frequency of somatic embryogenesis was effective on SH medium with 2, 4-D (2.5 mg/l) + Kn (0.5 mg/l) from leaf explants. Secondary somatic embryogenesis was also observed when primary somatic embryos were subculture on the same somatic embryo induction medium. Well developed cotyledonary shaped embryos regenerate 80% of shoots on media containing 2,4-D 0.5 mg/l + 2.0 mg/l BA. The regenerated shoots transferred to rooting media containing Indole- 3- butyric acid (IBA). Efficient rooting of 90% was noted on SH media with 1.0 mg/l IBA. Finally, these in vitro regenerated plantlets were hardened, acclimatized and successfully transferred to the field. The post transplantation survival rate of these regenerated plants was 65 to 70%. The in vitro regenerated plants and flowers were similar to mother plants. This protocol will be useful for genetic transformation experiments in R. vesicarius L.
Key words: Rumex vesicarius L, 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2,4-D), kinetin (Kn), Benzyl adenine (BA), Indole- 3- butyric acid (IBA).
