In vitro micropropagation of Rhinacanthus nasutus (L) Kurz

The study was aimed to standardise a protocol for the in vitro mass propagation of Rhinacanthus nasutus (L) Kurz, an anticancer shrub. Leaf, node and inflorescence explants were inoculated onto the Murashige and Skoog’s (MS) medium enriched with different combinations and concentrations of growth regulators. Maximum callusing percentage was achieved in leaf explants in MS medium supplemented with 5 mg/l 2,4-D. Multiple shoots were achieved from leaf, node and inflorescence explants with maximum of 25±0.42 (5 mg/l BAP + 2.5 mg/l IAA), 11±0.87 (5 BAP + 2.5 mg/l IAA) and 8±0.56 (3 mg/l BAP + 1.5 mg/l IAA) shoots, respectively. For in vitro rhizogenesis, elongated micro shoots were aseptically transferred to the half strength MS liquid medium with maximum number of 8±0.89 roots per shoot achieved in 1 mg/ml IAA fortified MS medium. The in vitro rooted micro shoots were acclimatised under laboratory conditions for two weeks by transferring to polycups containing sterile soil, sand and vermiculite (1:1:1). After two weeks, hardened plantlets were transferred to the green house for two weeks and then finally to the garden with 95% survivability.   Key words: Rhinacanthus nasutus, multiple shoots, leaf callus, node, inflorescence, rhizogenesis.