In vitro rooting from callus cultures derived from seedling explants of Erythrina variegata L.

Shoot differentiation from seedling explants of Erythrina variegata, an important medicinal plant, was tried on Murashige and Skoog's (MS) medium containing different plant growth regulators, but without any success. Thus, Erythrina variegata appeared to be a highly recalcitrant leguminous plant. However, rhizogenesis was frequent and achieved directly from different seedling explants (stem, leaf and roots) as well as from explant derived calli. Roots were produced along with callus formation. NAA is the most effective auxin for induction of roots. Natural auxins IAA and IBA were also used for rooting. The media used were (1) MS + 2 mg/l 2, 4-D + 1 mg/l NAA and (2) MS + 2 mg/l 2, 4-D + 1 mg/l BAP + 1 mg/l IBA for in vitro induction of roots from root, stem and leaf calli respectively. Thus, like in other legumes, in the present study also, Erythrina displayed a strong ability for in vitro rhizogenesis than caulogenesis.