Micropropagation of B. monnieri using humin media in plant tissue culture

Abstract

Humus is a complex material formed during the breakdown of organic matter. Earthworm castings contain a high percentage of humus. These humic substances are capable of improving plant nutrition and growth, reminiscent of hormones. Residue obtained after acid-base treatment of vermicompost was used as plant tissue culture media for the micropropagation of Bacopa monnieri. Tukey’s Studentized Range (HSD) Test has clearly indicated that development of leaves from nodes was significantly higher in humin alone without any supplements. The F value was 5.5 and Pr > F was 0.0087. The weight of the plantlets (in milligrams) was significantly higher in the humin medium and humin supplemented with vitamins and micronutrients but was least in the humin medium with growth regulators. The difference observed was at the level of < 0. 0001. The explant development on humin alone has shown the significant percentage survival of in vitro micropropagated plantlets when compared with other treatments. Explants responded maximum to humin only but not so on adding the supplements and the level of significance was at Pr > F was < 0.0001. The maximum growth stimulatory effect was found in aqueous extract of vermicompost which can be made out from the Student’s t-test performed to compare the means of weight of plantlets grown on humin and vermicompost extract media with and without chemical supplements respectively. The probability of this result, assuming the null hypothesis is 0.0014.