Callus induction studies in Tridax procumbens L.

Abstract

Tridax procumbens is a common weed plant belonging to the family Asteraceae. The leaf juice has antiseptic, insecticidal and parasiticidal properties. The present work is based on developing a protocol for the callus induction in Tridax procumbens from various explants like leaf, internodes and shoot apical buds. The sterilized explants were inoculated in MS media containing various combination of auxins such as 2, 4, dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2, 4-D) and naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) and cytokinins such as kinetin and 6 benzyl amino purine (BAP). Leaf and apical bud explants showed early and profuse callus induction whereas internodal explants showed comparatively delayed but profuse callus induction. Leaf and apical bud explants showed maximum response in terms of callus by using MS media with the combination 2, 4-D 0.5mg/lit and BAP 0.5mg/lit which was followed by 2, 4-D 0.5mg/lit and KIN 0.5mg/lit, 2, 4 -D 0.5mg/lit and BAP+KIN 0.5 mg/lit, NAA 0.5mg/lit and BAP 0.5mg/lit, NAA 2mg/lit and BAP 0.5mg/lit respectively. Whereas internodal explants showed maximum callus induction by using a hormonal concentration of 2mg/lit 2,4, D and 0.5mg/lit BAP. In vitro generated callus can be used as a source for the isolation of secondary metabolites from Tridax plant. Introduction