In-vitro propagation and genetic stability analysis of Swertia chirayita: An endangered high-value medicinal plant of Himalayas

Swertia chirayita, an endangered medicinal plant of Himalayas, is under constant threat of over-exploitation. In our study, it was propagated under in-vitro conditions. The established shoots of Swertia chirayita were multiplied on MS medium fortified with different growth regulators showing maximum 79.29% multiplication with BAP (1.50 mg/l), KIN (0.10 mg/l) and NAA (0.20 mg/l). With progressive sub-culturing, an increase in a number of microshoots per explant (16.53) along with highest microshoot length (6.94 cm) was found. While, the highest 82.14% rooting, 6.26 maximum number of roots per shoot and 3.23cm maximum root length was observed on half strength MS medium fortified with IBA (1.50 mg/l) and activated charcoal (0.02%). The maximum survival rate of 63.31% was obtained in potting mixture of cocopeat and sand (1: 1). Genetic fidelity of in-vitro propagated plants was assessed using RAPD and ISSR markers which confirmed the potential of micropropagation protocol for its mass propagation and conservation.