Micropropagation of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)

Abstract

In the present work in vitro propagation of a multipurpose medicinal plant, Withania somnifera was done. Direct regen-eration of nodal explants and their multiplication have been optimized using cytokinin BAP (0.5-4.0 mg/l) and combi-nation of BAP (0.5 mg/l) + NAA (0.5-3.0 mg/l) respectively. MS media with nodal explants supplemented with BAP (2.0 mg/l) produced maximum average number of shoots (2±0.37) and average shoot length was found to be 2.8±0.15 cm. Best initiated shoots then sub cultured for shoot multiplication, an improved shoot multiplication in terms of average number of shoots (5.3±0.41) and average shoot length 6.5±0.12 cm was observed on MS media in combination with BAP (0.5 mg/l) + NAA (1.5 mg/l). Maximum average number (12± 0.20) and average length 9.8±0.26cm of roots were observed on MS media supplemented with IBA (2.0 mg/l) out of different IBA (1-5 mg/l) concentrations were taken in to consideration during the study. Regenerated plantlets were successfully transferred to greenhouse condition.