Micropropagation of astragalus maximus willd

Abstract

Micropropagation of Astragalus maximus Willd. through axillary bud culture was achieved 30 day-old plants. The shoots of plants were used as explants for micropropagation. The explants were cultured on MS media supplemented with BA (0.2, 0.5, 1.0 mg/l), ZR (0.2, 0.5, 1.0 mg/l) and their combinations with 0.4 mg/l NAA. After 20 days, micropropagation was strongly induced in MS medium supplemented with 0.5 mg/l ZR, ∼30 shoots obtained from each explant. In all other treatments, proliferation number on per explant varied to 2–3. Propagated shoots were cultured on MS medium without plant growth regulators, MS medium supplemented with 0.2–1.5 mg/l NAA and ½ MS with 1.5 % sucrose. Root induction was only achieved on ½ MS containing 1.5 % sucrose after 20 days. Plane MS and MS medium with 0.2, 0.4, 0.8, 1.2 and 1.5 mg/l NAA did not induce root formation. © 2006 Taylor and Francis Group, LLC.