Enhancement of in vitro rooting by gelling agents and activated charcoal in Rehmannia glutinosa L.

Abstract

Plant tissue culture has proven to be commercially important for the replication of various plants species, including medicinal and ornamental plants. This technique has been used extensively in research for applications in agriculture and forestry. This study examines the effect of activated charcoal and the relative effectiveness of Gelrite compared to Phytagar. The number of roots per explant (8.2) and root growth (46.8 mm) was greater on Schenk and Hildebrandt medium containing 3 g/L Gelrite than that medium containing 7 g/L Phytagar which showed the number of roots per explant and root growth of 7.6 and 45.2 mm, respectively. Additionally, the highest regeneration rate (98%), the greatest number of roots per explant (8.8) and the longest root growth (71.5 mm) were achieved when 1 g/L of activated charcoal was added as a supplement to the medium. These findings provide useful information for future industrial-scale root production of Rehmannia glutinosa.