Effect of cytokinins and auxins on micropropagation of Clitoria ternatea L

In vitro shoot multiplication from nodal explants of Clitoria ternatea was standardized by using MS (Murashige & Skoog) medium supplemented with a cytokinin (BA or Kin). Inclusion of NAA in the culture medium along with BA promoted a higher rate of shoot multiplication. The mean number of shoots per explant after 4 weeks of culture was maximum (5.21) on the MS medium supplemented with 2.0 mg l BA and 0.25 mg l NAA. The elongated shoots rooted within 7-8 days in 1⁄2 strength MS medium supplemented with 0.25 mg l of NAA and 2% (w/v) sucrose. About 85% of the rooted plantlets survived acclimatization and transfer to the greenhouse. The results will facilitate the conservation and propagation of this important medicinal plant.