The effect of plant growth regulators on callus induction and growth, multiple shoot formation from juveline explants and alkaloid accumulation in cultures of Catharanthus roseus was studied. Hypocotyl explant were the best for callus induction both under light and dark. A combination of NAA (1.0/2.0 mg/l) with SAP (1.5 mg/l) in MS basal medium significantly improved the growth of hypocotyl derived calli both under light and dark conditions. Cotyledonary leaf explants exhibited maximum shoot formation. Detection of leurocristine (vincristine) in the remaining calli after shoot formation raises the possibility of producing pharmaceutically important dimeric anticancerous alkaloids in the cultures.
Catharanthus roseus, callus induction, multiple shoots, relative growth rate, alkaloids
