An efficient callus induction and regeneration of Vitex negundo l. – An important medicinal plant

An efficient protocol was described for rapid callus induction and regeneration from internodal explants of Vitex negundo (Verbenaceae) which is a woody, aromatic and medicinal plant. For callus induction and regeneration, Particular plant growth regulators were used, which are auxins such as 2,4-D and NAA in combination with cytokinin BAP. The explants were cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS, 1962) medium augmented with different concentrations of auxins and cytokinins individually and in mixture of combinations for callus induction. Highest frequency and weight of brown-greenish white callus was obtained in internodal explants cultured on MS medium supplemented with 2.0 mgL-1 2,4-D and 1.0 mgL-1 NAA in combination with 2.0 mgL-1 BAP. The present study also describes plant regeneration from in vitro derived callus. The callus was cultured on MS medium treated with BAP alone or in combination with NAA for organogenesis. Higher frequency and maximum number of shoots were obtained from callus culture on MS medium augmented with 2.0 mgL-1 BAP in combination with 0.75 mgL-1 NAA. All in vitro raised shoots were transferred to rooting MS medium supplemented with different concentration of IBA and NAA for root induction and the best roots were obtained on MS medium enriched with 0.5 mgL-1 IBA. The rooted plantlets were transferred to net pot containing autoclaved soil and vermiculite in 1:1 ratio for hardening in green house conditions.