Abstract

An improved protocol for successful micropropagation of the important medicinal plant ‘harmal’ (Rhazya stricta Decne) has been developed. Nodal segments containing axillary buds were surface sterilized and inoculated aseptically on culture medium. The effect of the combinations of 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) and kinetin (kin) on shoots initiation, proliferating and elongation of the explants, as well as the effect of Indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) and Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) on root formation were studied. The highest break of axillary buds was achieved in MS medium supplemented with 2 mg/L BAP and 1 mg/L kin as 72% of explants showed shoot initiation from the auxiliary buds. When the initiated shoots were sub-cultured in the same medium constitution, the best multiplication frequency was obtained. The proliferated shoot clusters showed higher elongation rate (73%) when it cultured in MS medium supplemented with 3 mg/L BAP and 1 mg/L kin. The best rooting frequency was achieved on full strength MS medium containing 3 mg/L IBA.

Key words: Medicinal plants, Rhazya stricta Decne, nodal segments, axiliary buds, micropropation, multiplication.