Callus culture and micropropagation of Ceropegia sahyadrica Ans. and Kulk.: An edible starchy tuberous rare asclepiad

Micropropagation by axillary shoot multiplication of nodal explants of Ceropegia sahyadrica Ans. & Kulk. was achieved. The highest mean number of shoots per nodal explants (6.1±0.6) was obtained on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 10mM BAP. Mature indehiscent follicle was the suitable source to obtain the aseptic seedlings and explants. For morphogenetic study, 195 combinations of BAP, KN, IAA, NAA and 2,4-D in the range of 0 to 22 mM were fortified in the MS medium. Extensive callus proliferation took place on MS +1.0 mM 2,4-D +5.0 mM BAP. The calli could be maintained on the parent medium over a period of 18 months. Rooting of shoots was favored by addition of 6.0 mg⁻¹ spermine and 5% sucrose. The hardened plantlets remained stunted after transfer in the month of November to May. These stunted plantlets and fresh plantlets grew normally during the month of June to October and completed their life cycle similar to wild plants. The micropropagation protocol can be successfully utilized for conservation and domestication of the Ceropegia sahyadrica Ans. and Kulk.