In vitro multiplication of madhunashini (Gymnema sylvestre Retz.)

Study was conducted for the in vitro multiplication of madhunashini by using immature seeds as explants. Immature seeds were cultured directly on to media containing different concentrations and combinations of auxin and cytokinin. Germination of seeds into plantlets was observed in the media containing cytokinins, however, the seeds cultured on media containing auxins at the expense of plantlet formation produced callus. Cent per cent of the explants responded when inoculated on Murashige and Skoog (MS) media containing Benzylaminopurine (BAP - 1.0 mg l⁻¹), Kinetin (Kn - 0.5 mg l⁻¹, 1.0 mg l⁻¹ and 2.0 mg l⁻¹) and BAP + Kn (1.0+1.0 mg l⁻¹). Height of plantlet (19.74 mm) was significantly higher in MS media supplemented with BAP 0.5 mg l⁻¹. Maximum number of leaves (3.12) were produced on MS media supplemented with Kn 2.0 mg l⁻¹. Nodal explants obtained from in vitro seedlings when cultured on the media containing cytokinins induced proliferation of shoots. Number of shoots (5.50) produced and length of shoot (18.53 mm) was found to be maximum at lower concentrations of BAP 1.0 mg l⁻¹ and Kn 0.5 mg l⁻¹. Leaves from in vitro seedlings when used as explants and cultured on media with cytokinins did not show any response.

This study is the first study in madhunashini on the use of immature seeds as explants for in vitro culture

Immature seeds responded well in Murashige and Skoog media

Rooting was confirmed by using fluorescent microscopy