In Vitro Seed Germination and Induction of Enhanced Shoot Multiplication in Pterocarpus santalinus Linn.f: An Endemic Medicinal Plant of Seshachalam Hills, Tirumala

Pterocarpus santalinus belongs to fabaceae family and is one of the endemic and endangered medicinal plant species of seshachalam hills, Tirumala, Andhra Pradesh state, India. In the present study we have successfully demonstrated the in vitro regenartion of this plant through shoot bud culture. The seeds germinated sequentially on plastic trays and transferred polythene bags for 21 days served as explant source. Nodal segments from the seedlings were established on MS (Murashige and Skoog 1962), B5(Gamborg et.al 1969), and WPM(Woody Plant Medium) medium supplemented (84.4%,76.6%,80.2%) with BAP, NAA(αNaphthalene acetic acid), and TDZ (Thidiazuron), in which BA 85% of nodes showed shoot bud elongation. Then nodal segments from the developed shoots were cultured on MS medium with several BA concentrations best shoot multiplication was obtained with 1.0mg BA+0.5mgNAA and 0.8%Agar. Successful in vitro rooting was induced form cut end of the micro shoots when placed on half strength MS+IBA (1500ppm). The regenerated shoots with well developed root system were successfully acclimatized and established in pots containing sterilized garden soil and garden manure(1:1:1) and grown under green house conditions 85.4% survival rates.