De novo Shoot Organogenesis from Cultured Root Explants of Swertia chirata Buch.-Ham.ex Wall.: An Endangered Medicinal Plant

In vitro regeneration of plants from root cultures of Swertia chirata Buch.-Ham. ex Wall was obtained. Root explants from axenic shoot cultures were used for shoot induction. Optimal shoot regeneration without any callus intervention was observed on 1/2 MS (Murashige and Skoog’s medium, 1962) + 4.44 μM 6, benzylaminopurine (BAP) +1.07 μM α-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA).Regenerated shoots were further multiplied on full strength MS medium supplemented with different concentrations of plant growth regulators. Maximum shoot multiplication was achieved on MS medium fortified with 4.44 μM BAP + 2.85 μM indole-3 acetic acid (IAA) + 271.45 μM adenine sulphate (Ads). Best results of rooting were observed on 1/2 strength MS medium containing 4.90 μM IBA. Plants with well-developed shoots and roots were successfully hardened with over 80% survivability. [Nature and Science 2010;8(9):244-252]. (ISSN: 1545-0740).