The Journal of Indian Botanical Society

An efficient high frequency in vitro regeneration protocol was developed for Woodfordiafruticosa (Linn.) Kurz., a wild threatened medicinal ornamental shrub, which is in need to be conserved by tissue culture techniques. The plants were regenerated from young nodal segments. Maximum number of multiple shoots (166.2±3.89) was obtained from nodal segment explants on MS medium supplemented with 0.5 mg/1 BAP with 95% shoot regeneration. Shoot elongation was best in media with BAP 0.2 mg/1. Maximum shoot height of 9–11 cms was achieved. The excised shoots were cultured on MS medium with various concentrations and combinations of auxins for rooting. The best response in rooting was observed on half-strength medium supplemented with 1.0 mg/1 IBA. Rooted plants were hardened in earthen pots containing sterile sand before transferring to the field. So, the results of the present studies indicate a five fold increase in number of shoots per explant. This is a rapid, reproducible protocol for large scale propagation of this rare, much-used medicinal, beautiful, ornamental, threatened plant species and its ex-situ conservation.