MICROPROPAGATION OF A MEDICINAL PLANT. I. CASSIA ACUTIFOLIA

This study describes the effect of growth regulators (NAA, BAP, IAA and Kn) on the regeneration potential of Cassia acutifolia Delile. Hypocotyl and epicotyl segments implanted on MS medium added with NAA (0.2 mg l-1), BAP (2.0 mg l-1) and glutamine (50 mg l-1) showed callusing in 76% cultures after 3 weeks. However, direct shoot regeneration occurred in 39% cultures on MS medium containing NAA (0.2 mg l-1) and BAP (3.0 mg l-1) after 3 weeks. Six week-old callus when transferred on to MS medium supplemented with lAA (1.0 mg l-1) and Kn (2.0mg l-1), developed shoots in 90% cultures after 3 weeks. Rooting (7-15%) occurred when these shoots were transferred on to MS medicam added with IBA (0.5-1.0 mg l-1). Fully differentiated plantlets were transferred to pots and the field where they survived well.