An efficient regeneration of Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal through direct organogenesis

An efficient protocol for in vitro propagation of Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal has been established. Callus and shoot formation from the nodes of W. somnifera was initiated on MS basal medium supplemented with combinations of α-Naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) 1mg/l and 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) 0.5 mg/l which induced an organogenic callus with an average of 3–5 shoots per node. Subsequent culture for rapid multiplication of shoots on MS medium with 1 mg/l BAP and 0.5 mg/l Kinetin enhanced the number of shoots. Callus initiated from the basal cut end explants, differentiated into more than 25 shoots. The shoots generated, rooted on half strength MS medium with 1.4 mg/l Indole-3-butyric acid (IBA), showed thick and stout roots. Ninety five per cent of the rooted shoots survived when transferred to the green house and subsequently to the natural environment.