Factors affecting the in vitro multiplication of the endemic zingiber Curcuma haritha Mangaly and Sabu

Abstract

In vitro shoot multiplication studies were carried out in Curcuma haritha using rhizome tip explants. The rate of multiplication depended mainly on plant growth regulator, its concentration and nutrient media. Optimal morphogenic responses were obtained from longitudinally split explants on Murashige and Skoog basal medium supplemented with N6-benzyladenine and indole-3-acetic acid or α-naphthalene acetic acid. The best shoot multiplication of 11 shoots per explant was achieved on MS medium containing BA (4.4 μM) and IAA (2.9 μM). Rooting was also observed simultaneously in the multiplication medium. Rooted plantlets were successfully transferred to greenhouse conditions with 98% survival. Effect of plant growth regulators, nutrient formulation, pH and agar concentrations on various in vitro responses are discussed. © 2006 Asian Network for Scientific Information.