In vitro multiple shoot induction through axillary bud of Asclepias curassavica L. – A valuable medicinal plant

Micropropagation of Asclepias curassavica L. a medicinal plant valued for its medicinal properties has been carried out using two different plant culture media, Murashige and Skoog (MS) and L2. L2 medium proved to be superior to MS medium in terms of shoot multiplication and shoot length. Nodal explants showed enhanced organogenic response than shoot tip explants. Basal nodal explants produced more number of shoots than terminal nodes for shoot morphogenesis. Among the two different cytokinins tested in MS media, 6benzylaminopurine (BAP) proved better than Kinetin (KIN) for improving shoot number and shoot length in combination with different auxins. Among the two different cytokinins tested in L2 media, KIN proved better than BAP for improving shoot number and shoot length either individually or in combination with different auxins. Highest number of shoots was obtained from nodal explants cultured on L2 media containing 3 mg/L KIN in combination with Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA). The microshoots developed through in vitro regeneration were rooted on full and half strength MS media containing IBA alone and in combination with KIN and the highest number of roots was observed on MS medium with Indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) 1 mg/L + 0.2 mg/L KIN.