In Vitro Micropropagation of Oxystelma Esculentum R. Br. – A Medicinal Herb

An efficient protocol for in vitro shoot bud multiplication from shoot tip and nodal explant of Oxystelma esculentum was established. Shoot bud induction and proliferation of shoots achieved on MS (Murashige and Skoog) medium supplemented with 6-benzyladenine (BA), Kinetin (KN), indol-3-acetic acid (IAA), indol-3- butyric acid (IBA) and 1-napthalene acetic acid (NAA) either singly or in combinations. BA (1.5 mg l⁻¹), Kinetin (0.5 mg l⁻¹) and NAA (0.05 mg l⁻¹) were found to be increased the number of shoots (10.7 shoots/shoot tip explant and 16.2 shoots/nodal explant). The cluster of proliferated shoots elongated simultaneously on the same medium. High frequency of rooting (90%) was obtained in half strength MS medium supplemented with IBA (0.5 mg l⁻¹). Effect of time period on highest percentage and number of adventitious roots formation were observed on 19^th and 22^nd days. Rooted plantlets were hardened and successfully established in the field condition.