In vitro micropropagation of Orthosiphon aristatus (Blume) Miq.

The present study deals with the mass propagation of Orthosiphon aristatus - a multipurpose highly valuable ethnomedicinal shrub. Stem and inflorescence explants were inoculated into the Murashige and Skoog medium (MS medium) fortified with different concentrations and combinations of auxins and cytokinins. The maximum number of shoots achieved was 25 ± 0.78 and 17 ± 0.67 at 5 mg/l benzylaminopurine (BAP) + 2.5 mg/l kinetin (kn) and 3mg/l BAP + 1.5mg/l Kn from nodal and inflorescence explants, respectively. For in vitro rhizogenesis, the elongated micro shoots were aseptically excised and were transferred to the half strength MS liquid medium supplemented with different concentrations of Indole-3 acetic acid and Indole butyric acid (IAA and IBA). The best rooting was achieved at 2 mg/l IBA giving maximum of 12 ± 0.67 roots per shoot. The well established plantlets were hardened by transferring them to the poly cups containing sterile soil and vermicompost in the ratio of 1:1. After 3 weeks of hardening, established plantlets were transferred to the field with 95% survivability.