Abstract

A rapid clonal propagation system has been developed for Celastrus paniculatus(Celastraceae) an important medicinal plant under in vitro conditions. Nodal explants from mature plant of this species were collected and cultured on MS medium supplemented with various concentrations (0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 mg l^-1) of cytokinins (BAP and Kn) and auxins (IAA, NAA and 2, 4-D) alone and in various combinations under controlled condition of 16 h of photoperiod and 8 h dark period at a temperature of 25 ± 2°C. The maximum number of shoots (8.9 ± 0.5) along with hundred per cent bud break was recorded in the MS medium supplemented with 1.0 mgl^-1 BAP. Most of the combinations of cytokinins with IAA induced the formation of less number of shoots. The in vitro regenerated shoots were excised aseptically and implanted on full and half strength MS medium without or with growth regulators (IAA, NAA and IBA) at the concentrations of 0.5 and 1.0 mgl^-1 for rooting. MS half strength medium supplemented with 0.5 mgl^-1 NAA proved best with hundred per cent rooting. The regenerated plantlets were successfully acclimatized in pots containing sterilized soil and sand mixture (3:1). The plantlets were then transferred to the field conditions. Seventy per cent of the regenerants survived well.

Key words: Micropropagation, nodal segments, multiple shoots, Celastrus paniculatus.