In vitro callus induction and shoot regeneration from leaf explant of Withania somnifera

Callus induction and shoot regeneration has been developed in three different genotypes (WA-20, WA-134 and Rajendra Ashwagandh Local - 1) of Withania somnifera using leaf explant. Out of the three genotypes, callus induction (50% – 68%) and callus mediated shoot regeneration (43% – 63%) were observed with MS media supplemented with 0.5 mg L⁻¹ of 6 - benzyl aminopurine (BAP) with 1 mg L⁻¹ of α - nephthalene acetic acid (NAA). Good responses of shoot regeneration (69.6%, 79.1%) were seen on WA₁ and on WA₂ respectively with the medium supplemented with 0.5 mg L⁻¹ of NAA and 2 mg L⁻¹ of BAP. The response with genotype WA₃ was poor for both callus induction and shoot proliferation