Establishment of Plantlets and Evaluation of Differentiated Roots for Alkaloids in Rauwolfia serpentha

Different explants of Rauwolfia serpentina were tested for their capacity and root differentiation. MS sedium containing 2.0 mg I⁻¹ BAP or 1.5 mg I⁻¹ BAP with 0.5 mg l⁻¹ NAA gave the best shoot proliferation from shoot apices (84.12%). Multiple shoots subcultured on the same media gave higher number of shoots (6–9). Callus formed at the cut ends of explants produced shoots when subcul tured on the above media. Rooting was achieved after transfer of shoots either to hormone free or half strength or full strength MS medium with different concentrations of IAA (0.5,1.0 mg l⁻¹ and IBA (0.5,1.0 mg I⁻¹).The complete regenerated plantlets have been successfully transferred to earthen pots in green house. Maximum root differentiation from leaves, stem and nodal cuttings derived calli was obtained on MS medium supplemented with NAA (2.0 mg l⁻¹) and BAP (1.5 mg I⁻¹). Identification of reserpine and other alkaloids from differentiated roots holds an interesting alternative for controlled production of alkaloids from this endangered, over-exploited medicinal plant species.