Iram Siddique | King Saud University (original) (raw)

Papers by Iram Siddique

Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology, 2010

An effective protocol was developed for in vitro regeneration of the Cassia angustifolia via indi... more An effective protocol was developed for in vitro regeneration of the Cassia angustifolia via indirect organogenesis from petiole explants excised from 21-day-old axenic seedlings. Organogenic callus were induced on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 5.0 µM 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid and 2.5 µM thidiazuron (TDZ). Adventitious shoot regeneration was achieved on MS medium supplemented with 5.0 µM TDZ as it induced 8.5 ± 0.98 shoots in 85% cultures. The number of shoots and shoot length was significantly enhanced when cultures were subcultured on auxin–cytokinin-containing medium. The highest number of shoots (12.5 ± 1.10) and shoot length (4.3 ± 0.20 cm) was recorded on MS medium supplemented with 5.0 µM TDZ and 1.5 µM indole-3-acetic acid. Regenerated shoots were rooted best on MS medium supplemented with 10.0 µM indole-3-butyric acid followed by their transfer to liquid MS filter paper bridge medium. The plants were successfully hardened off in sterile soilrite followed by their establishment in garden soil with 70% survival rate. The plants showed normal morphological characteristics similar to the field grown plants.

Journal of Crop Science and Biotechnology, 2009

Synthetic seed technology is a potential tool for a more efficient and cost effective rapid clona... more Synthetic seed technology is a potential tool for a more efficient and cost effective rapid clonal propagation system. In the present investigation, synthetic seeds were produced by encapsulating nodal segments of Ocimum basilicum in calcium alginate gel. For encapsulation of nodal segment, 3% (w/v) sodium alginate and 75 mM CaCl2.2H2O were found most suitable. The synthetic seeds when cultured on half-strength Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 5.0 μM benzyladenine (BA) and 0.5 μM Indole -3- acetic acid (IAA) produced maximum number of shoots (7.9 ± 0.54) after 8 weeks of culture exhibiting 80% in vitro conversion response. Further, synthetic seeds stored at 4 °C for 4 weeks resulted in maximum conversion response (90%) when placed back to regeneration medium. Both root and shoot formation took place in the same medium but the roots were thin and difficult to handle. Individual elongated shoots were rooted on MS medium supplemented with 1.0 μM Indole -3- butyric acid (IBA). Plants regenerated from the synseeds were hardened, acclimatized, and established in soil with 80% survival rate. Changes in antioxidative enzymes viz., Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and Catalase (CAT) in O. basilicum indicated the adaptation of micropropagated plants to ex vitro conditions.

New Forests, 2009

This report describes in vitro shoot induction and plant regeneration from nodal segments of Bala... more This report describes in vitro shoot induction and plant regeneration from nodal segments of Balanites aegyptiaca on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium fortified with 6-benzyladenine (BA), thidiazuron (TDZ) and kinetin (Kin) (0.5–20.0 μM). MS medium supplemented with BA (12.5 μM) was the most effective in inducing bud break and growth and also in initiating multiple shoot proliferation. However, the optimal level of TDZ supplementation to the culture medium was 5.0 μM. Shoot cultures were established by repeatedly subculturing the original nodal explants on the same medium. Highest number of shoots (11.5 ± 0.7) and shoot length (5.0 ± 0.2 cm) were achieved when cultures were subcultured on MS medium supplemented with 12.5 μM BA and 1.0 μM α-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA). The shoots regenerated from TDZ supplemented medium when subcultured to hormone free MS basal medium considerably increased the rate of shoot multiplication and shoot length by the end of fifth subculture. Rooting of the shoots was achieved on MS medium augmented with 1.0 μM indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) plus 0.5% activated charcoal followed by their transfer to half strength MS basal medium. The in vitro raised plantlets with well developed shoots and roots were successfully established in earthen pots containing garden soil and were grown in greenhouse with 70% survival rate. The results of this study provide the first successful report on in vitro direct plant regeneration of B. aegyptiaca.

Acta Physiologiae Plantarum, 2008

An efficient, rapid and large scale propagation of a multipurpose herb, Ocimum basilicum through ... more An efficient, rapid and large scale propagation of a multipurpose herb, Ocimum basilicum through in vitro culture of nodal segments with axillary buds from mature plants has been accomplished. Among the cytokinins, 6-benzyladenine (BA), thidiazuron (TDZ), kinetin (Kin) and 2-isopentenyl adenine (2-iP) tested as supplements to Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium, 5.0 μM BA was optimum in inducing bud break. The highest rate of shoot multiplication was achieved on half-strength MS medium supplemented with 2.5 μM BA and 0.5 μM indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) combination. The shoots regenerated from TDZ supplemented medium when subcultured to hormone-free MS medium considerably increased the rate of shoot multiplication and shoot length by the end of third subculture. For rooting, MS medium supplemented with 1.0 μM indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) proved to be better than that supplemented with IAA or α-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA). The in vitro raised plantlets with well developed shoots and roots were successfully established in earthen pots containing garden soil and were grown in greenhouse with 90% survival rate. Chlorophyll a and b, carotenoids and net photosynthetic rate were measured in leaves during ex vitro acclimatization at 0, 7, 14, 21 and 28 days. Firstly these parameters showed a decreasing trend but subsequently increased after 7 days of acclimatization. These findings indicate that the adaptation of micropropagated plants to ex vitro conditions is more extended in time than generally accepted.

Biologia Plantarum, 2006

An efficient protocol of direct somatic embryogenesis (without involving intermediate callus) has... more An efficient protocol of direct somatic embryogenesis (without involving intermediate callus) has been developed from stem segments and shoot tips of Capsicum annuum L. Explants were cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with thidiazuron (TDZ). Among the various concentration of TDZ tested, 0.5 μM was proved to be best for induction of somatic embryos. Induction, maturation and germination were achieved on the same medium. The shoots developed from somatic embryos were transferred for rooting to MS medium supplemented with indole-3-butyric acid (IBA). All the regenerated plants with 85 % survival rate were normal with respect to morphology and growth characteristics.

in Vitro Cellular & Developmental Biology-plant, 2006

The purpose of this study was to develop an efficient micropropagation system for Mucuna pruriens... more The purpose of this study was to develop an efficient micropropagation system for Mucuna pruriens, an important medicinal plant in India. A range of cytokinins was investigated for multiple shoot regeneration with cotyledonary node explants from 7-d-old aseptic seedlings. Of all the cytokinins, 6-benzyladenine (BA), kinetin (KIN) and 2-isopentenyl adenine (2-iP) tested in Murashige and Skoog medium (MS), BA was the most effective and 5.0 μM was found to be optimum for inducing maximum shoots. Medium types, medium strength and pH were also investigated for induction and proliferation of shoots. The highest efficiency of shoot proliferation was observed in 5.0 μM BA and 0.5 μM α-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) in half-strength MS medium at pH 5.8. The best condition for rooting was half-strength MS medium solidified with agar and with 2.0 μM indole-3-butyric acid (IBA). After rooting, the plantlets were transferred to plastic pots filled with sterile soilrite where 90% grew and all exhibited normal development.

Biologia Plantarum, 2006

Multiple shoots were induced by culturing nodal explants excised from 1-month-old aseptic seedlin... more Multiple shoots were induced by culturing nodal explants excised from 1-month-old aseptic seedlings of red pepper (Capsicum annuum L. cv. Pusa Jwala) on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with (0.1–10 μM) thidiazuron (TDZ). The rate of multiple shoot induction per explant was maximum (14.4 ± 0.06) on MS medium supplemented with 1.0 μM TDZ. Regenerated shoots were elongated well on growth regulator free MS medium. Adventitious roots were induced two weeks after transfer of elongated shoots to MS medium supplemented with auxins (IAA, IBA or NAA) in different concentrations. Optimum root formation frequency was obtained in medium containing 1.0 μM IBA. Ex-vitro rooting was also achieved by pulse treatment with 300 μM IBA for 10 min. Rooted shoots were transplanted in plastic pots containing garden soil (with 90 % survival rate), where they grew well and attained maturity. Regenerated plants were phenotypically and cytologically normal.

Journal of Plant Biochemistry and Biotechnology, 2011

An efficient protocol of shoot organogenesis and plant regeneration from internode derived callus... more An efficient protocol of shoot organogenesis and plant regeneration from internode derived callus has been developed for Capsicum annuum. Optimal callus was developed from internodal segments on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 10 μM 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2,4-D) and 2.0 μM 6-benzyladenine (BA). Shoot differentiation was achieved from the surface of callus when transferred on shoot induction medium containing BA and thidiazuron (TDZ) alone or in combination. The highest number of de novo adventitious shoots (25.4 ± 1.42) and shoot length (4.6 ± 0.37 cm) was recorded on MS medium supplemented with 5.0 μM BA and 2.5 μM TDZ. The individual elongated shoots were rooted well on MS medium supplemented with 1.0 μM Indole-3-butyric acid (IBA). The in vitro raised plantlets with properly developed shoot and roots were acclimatized successfully and grew well in the greenhouse. All the regenerated plants appeared normal with respect to morphology and growth characteristics with 85% survival rate.

Biologia Plantarum, 2007

An efficient protocol has been developed for rapid micropropagation of Ocimum basilicum. Multiple... more An efficient protocol has been developed for rapid micropropagation of Ocimum basilicum. Multiple shoots were induced by culturing shoot tip explants excised from mature plants on a liquid Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 5–100 µM of thidiazuron (TDZ) for different treatment duration (4, 8, 12 and 16 d). The optimal level of TDZ supplementation to the culture medium was 50 µM for 8 d induction period followed by subculturing in MS medium devoid of TDZ as it produced maximum regeneration frequency (78 %), mean number of shoots (11.6 ± 1.16) and shoot length (4.8 ± 0.43 cm) per explant. A culture period longer than 8 d with TDZ resulted in the formation of fasciated or distorted shoots. The regenerated shoots rooted best on MS medium containing 1.0 µM indole-3-butyric acid (IBA). The micropropagated shoots with well developed roots were successfully established in pots containing garden soil and grown in greenhouse with 95 % survival rate. The regenerated plants were morphologically uniform and exhibited similar growth characteristics and vegetative morphology to the donor plants.

Agroforestry Systems, 2010

In vitro propagation technique of Balanites aegyptiaca, a multipurpose woody tree was studied. No... more In vitro propagation technique of Balanites aegyptiaca, a multipurpose woody tree was studied. Nodal segments including axillary bud from mature tree were used as an explant and their morphogenetic potential was tested on MS media with various concentrations (2.5–15.0 μM) of 6-benzyladenine (BA), Kinetin, and Thidiazuron alone or in combination with different concentrations (0.5–2.5 μM) of α-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA). Nodal segments showed axillary bud proliferation in almost all media tried. MS medium containing 12.5 μM BA alone was effective for inducing multiple shoots (5.0 ± 0.22) with an average shoot length (3.7 ± 0.26 cm) in 67% of cultures. A better shoot differentiation and elongation was achieved in a combined treatment of BA (12.5 μM) and NAA (1.0 μM). Half strength MS medium supplemented with Indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) gave the best result for rooting. The maximum frequency of root formation (68%), number of roots (5.3 ± 0.32) and root length (4.1 ± 0.38 cm) was obtained on half strength MS medium containing 1.0 μM IBA. The regenerated plantlets were potted and acclimatized successfully in a growth chamber and then moved to the greenhouse.

Acta Physiologiae Plantarum, 2007

An efficient, rapid and reproducible plant regeneration protocol was successfully developed for C... more An efficient, rapid and reproducible plant regeneration protocol was successfully developed for Cassia angustifolia using nodal explants excised from 14-day-old aseptic seedlings. Of the two cytokinins, 6-benzyladenine (BA) and thidiazuron (TDZ) evaluated as supplements to Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium, TDZ at an optimal concentration of 5.0 μM was effective in inducing multiple shoots. The highest rate of shoot multiplication was achieved on MS medium supplemented with 5.0 μM TDZ and 1.0 μM indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) at pH 5.8. The regenerated shoots when subcultured on hormone free MS medium considerably increased the rate of shoot multiplication and shoot length by end of fourth subculture passage. Rooting was achieved on the isolated shoots using MS medium with 60 μM indole -3- butyric acid (IBA) and 1% activated charcoal for 1 week and subsequently transferring the shootlets to half strength MS liquid media without IBA and activated charcoal. The in vitro raised plantlets with well-developed shoot and roots were successfully established in earthen pots containing garden soil and grown in greenhouse.

Annals of Applied Biology, 2006

A rapid and efficient protocol for the large-scale propagation of a potential medicinal plant, Mu... more A rapid and efficient protocol for the large-scale propagation of a potential medicinal plant, Mucuna pruriens, through in vitro culture of nodal segment explants obtained from 15-day-old aseptic seedlings is described. Of the three different cytokinins, 6-benzyladenine (BA), kinetin (Kin) and 2-isopentenyl adenine (2-iP) evaluated as supplements to Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium, BA at an optimal concentration of 5.0 μM was effective in inducing multiple shoots. Strength of the basal media also influenced the efficiency of shoot regeneration. The frequency of shoot regeneration tended to increase when the salt concentration in the basal media was reduced. Highest number of multiple shoots (23.3) and maximum average length (5.6 cm) were standardised on half-strength MS medium supplemented with 5.0 μM BA along with 0.5 μM α-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) at pH 5.8. Rooting was best induced in shoots excised from proliferated shoot cultures on MS medium augmented with an optimal concentration of 1.0 μM indole-3-butyric acid (IBA). The in vitro-raised plantlets with well-developed shoots and roots were successfully established in earthen pots containing garden soil and were grown in greenhouse with 90% survival rate. The results of this study provide the first report on in vitro plant regeneration of M. pruriens.

Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology, 2010

An effective protocol was developed for in vitro regeneration of the Cassia angustifolia via indi... more An effective protocol was developed for in vitro regeneration of the Cassia angustifolia via indirect organogenesis from petiole explants excised from 21-day-old axenic seedlings. Organogenic callus were induced on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 5.0 µM 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid and 2.5 µM thidiazuron (TDZ). Adventitious shoot regeneration was achieved on MS medium supplemented with 5.0 µM TDZ as it induced 8.5 ± 0.98 shoots in 85% cultures. The number of shoots and shoot length was significantly enhanced when cultures were subcultured on auxin–cytokinin-containing medium. The highest number of shoots (12.5 ± 1.10) and shoot length (4.3 ± 0.20 cm) was recorded on MS medium supplemented with 5.0 µM TDZ and 1.5 µM indole-3-acetic acid. Regenerated shoots were rooted best on MS medium supplemented with 10.0 µM indole-3-butyric acid followed by their transfer to liquid MS filter paper bridge medium. The plants were successfully hardened off in sterile soilrite followed by their establishment in garden soil with 70% survival rate. The plants showed normal morphological characteristics similar to the field grown plants.

Journal of Crop Science and Biotechnology, 2009

Synthetic seed technology is a potential tool for a more efficient and cost effective rapid clona... more Synthetic seed technology is a potential tool for a more efficient and cost effective rapid clonal propagation system. In the present investigation, synthetic seeds were produced by encapsulating nodal segments of Ocimum basilicum in calcium alginate gel. For encapsulation of nodal segment, 3% (w/v) sodium alginate and 75 mM CaCl2.2H2O were found most suitable. The synthetic seeds when cultured on half-strength Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 5.0 μM benzyladenine (BA) and 0.5 μM Indole -3- acetic acid (IAA) produced maximum number of shoots (7.9 ± 0.54) after 8 weeks of culture exhibiting 80% in vitro conversion response. Further, synthetic seeds stored at 4 °C for 4 weeks resulted in maximum conversion response (90%) when placed back to regeneration medium. Both root and shoot formation took place in the same medium but the roots were thin and difficult to handle. Individual elongated shoots were rooted on MS medium supplemented with 1.0 μM Indole -3- butyric acid (IBA). Plants regenerated from the synseeds were hardened, acclimatized, and established in soil with 80% survival rate. Changes in antioxidative enzymes viz., Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and Catalase (CAT) in O. basilicum indicated the adaptation of micropropagated plants to ex vitro conditions.

New Forests, 2009

This report describes in vitro shoot induction and plant regeneration from nodal segments of Bala... more This report describes in vitro shoot induction and plant regeneration from nodal segments of Balanites aegyptiaca on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium fortified with 6-benzyladenine (BA), thidiazuron (TDZ) and kinetin (Kin) (0.5–20.0 μM). MS medium supplemented with BA (12.5 μM) was the most effective in inducing bud break and growth and also in initiating multiple shoot proliferation. However, the optimal level of TDZ supplementation to the culture medium was 5.0 μM. Shoot cultures were established by repeatedly subculturing the original nodal explants on the same medium. Highest number of shoots (11.5 ± 0.7) and shoot length (5.0 ± 0.2 cm) were achieved when cultures were subcultured on MS medium supplemented with 12.5 μM BA and 1.0 μM α-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA). The shoots regenerated from TDZ supplemented medium when subcultured to hormone free MS basal medium considerably increased the rate of shoot multiplication and shoot length by the end of fifth subculture. Rooting of the shoots was achieved on MS medium augmented with 1.0 μM indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) plus 0.5% activated charcoal followed by their transfer to half strength MS basal medium. The in vitro raised plantlets with well developed shoots and roots were successfully established in earthen pots containing garden soil and were grown in greenhouse with 70% survival rate. The results of this study provide the first successful report on in vitro direct plant regeneration of B. aegyptiaca.

Acta Physiologiae Plantarum, 2008

An efficient, rapid and large scale propagation of a multipurpose herb, Ocimum basilicum through ... more An efficient, rapid and large scale propagation of a multipurpose herb, Ocimum basilicum through in vitro culture of nodal segments with axillary buds from mature plants has been accomplished. Among the cytokinins, 6-benzyladenine (BA), thidiazuron (TDZ), kinetin (Kin) and 2-isopentenyl adenine (2-iP) tested as supplements to Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium, 5.0 μM BA was optimum in inducing bud break. The highest rate of shoot multiplication was achieved on half-strength MS medium supplemented with 2.5 μM BA and 0.5 μM indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) combination. The shoots regenerated from TDZ supplemented medium when subcultured to hormone-free MS medium considerably increased the rate of shoot multiplication and shoot length by the end of third subculture. For rooting, MS medium supplemented with 1.0 μM indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) proved to be better than that supplemented with IAA or α-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA). The in vitro raised plantlets with well developed shoots and roots were successfully established in earthen pots containing garden soil and were grown in greenhouse with 90% survival rate. Chlorophyll a and b, carotenoids and net photosynthetic rate were measured in leaves during ex vitro acclimatization at 0, 7, 14, 21 and 28 days. Firstly these parameters showed a decreasing trend but subsequently increased after 7 days of acclimatization. These findings indicate that the adaptation of micropropagated plants to ex vitro conditions is more extended in time than generally accepted.

Biologia Plantarum, 2006

An efficient protocol of direct somatic embryogenesis (without involving intermediate callus) has... more An efficient protocol of direct somatic embryogenesis (without involving intermediate callus) has been developed from stem segments and shoot tips of Capsicum annuum L. Explants were cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with thidiazuron (TDZ). Among the various concentration of TDZ tested, 0.5 μM was proved to be best for induction of somatic embryos. Induction, maturation and germination were achieved on the same medium. The shoots developed from somatic embryos were transferred for rooting to MS medium supplemented with indole-3-butyric acid (IBA). All the regenerated plants with 85 % survival rate were normal with respect to morphology and growth characteristics.

in Vitro Cellular & Developmental Biology-plant, 2006

The purpose of this study was to develop an efficient micropropagation system for Mucuna pruriens... more The purpose of this study was to develop an efficient micropropagation system for Mucuna pruriens, an important medicinal plant in India. A range of cytokinins was investigated for multiple shoot regeneration with cotyledonary node explants from 7-d-old aseptic seedlings. Of all the cytokinins, 6-benzyladenine (BA), kinetin (KIN) and 2-isopentenyl adenine (2-iP) tested in Murashige and Skoog medium (MS), BA was the most effective and 5.0 μM was found to be optimum for inducing maximum shoots. Medium types, medium strength and pH were also investigated for induction and proliferation of shoots. The highest efficiency of shoot proliferation was observed in 5.0 μM BA and 0.5 μM α-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) in half-strength MS medium at pH 5.8. The best condition for rooting was half-strength MS medium solidified with agar and with 2.0 μM indole-3-butyric acid (IBA). After rooting, the plantlets were transferred to plastic pots filled with sterile soilrite where 90% grew and all exhibited normal development.

Biologia Plantarum, 2006

Multiple shoots were induced by culturing nodal explants excised from 1-month-old aseptic seedlin... more Multiple shoots were induced by culturing nodal explants excised from 1-month-old aseptic seedlings of red pepper (Capsicum annuum L. cv. Pusa Jwala) on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with (0.1–10 μM) thidiazuron (TDZ). The rate of multiple shoot induction per explant was maximum (14.4 ± 0.06) on MS medium supplemented with 1.0 μM TDZ. Regenerated shoots were elongated well on growth regulator free MS medium. Adventitious roots were induced two weeks after transfer of elongated shoots to MS medium supplemented with auxins (IAA, IBA or NAA) in different concentrations. Optimum root formation frequency was obtained in medium containing 1.0 μM IBA. Ex-vitro rooting was also achieved by pulse treatment with 300 μM IBA for 10 min. Rooted shoots were transplanted in plastic pots containing garden soil (with 90 % survival rate), where they grew well and attained maturity. Regenerated plants were phenotypically and cytologically normal.

Journal of Plant Biochemistry and Biotechnology, 2011

An efficient protocol of shoot organogenesis and plant regeneration from internode derived callus... more An efficient protocol of shoot organogenesis and plant regeneration from internode derived callus has been developed for Capsicum annuum. Optimal callus was developed from internodal segments on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 10 μM 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2,4-D) and 2.0 μM 6-benzyladenine (BA). Shoot differentiation was achieved from the surface of callus when transferred on shoot induction medium containing BA and thidiazuron (TDZ) alone or in combination. The highest number of de novo adventitious shoots (25.4 ± 1.42) and shoot length (4.6 ± 0.37 cm) was recorded on MS medium supplemented with 5.0 μM BA and 2.5 μM TDZ. The individual elongated shoots were rooted well on MS medium supplemented with 1.0 μM Indole-3-butyric acid (IBA). The in vitro raised plantlets with properly developed shoot and roots were acclimatized successfully and grew well in the greenhouse. All the regenerated plants appeared normal with respect to morphology and growth characteristics with 85% survival rate.

Biologia Plantarum, 2007

An efficient protocol has been developed for rapid micropropagation of Ocimum basilicum. Multiple... more An efficient protocol has been developed for rapid micropropagation of Ocimum basilicum. Multiple shoots were induced by culturing shoot tip explants excised from mature plants on a liquid Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 5–100 µM of thidiazuron (TDZ) for different treatment duration (4, 8, 12 and 16 d). The optimal level of TDZ supplementation to the culture medium was 50 µM for 8 d induction period followed by subculturing in MS medium devoid of TDZ as it produced maximum regeneration frequency (78 %), mean number of shoots (11.6 ± 1.16) and shoot length (4.8 ± 0.43 cm) per explant. A culture period longer than 8 d with TDZ resulted in the formation of fasciated or distorted shoots. The regenerated shoots rooted best on MS medium containing 1.0 µM indole-3-butyric acid (IBA). The micropropagated shoots with well developed roots were successfully established in pots containing garden soil and grown in greenhouse with 95 % survival rate. The regenerated plants were morphologically uniform and exhibited similar growth characteristics and vegetative morphology to the donor plants.

Agroforestry Systems, 2010

In vitro propagation technique of Balanites aegyptiaca, a multipurpose woody tree was studied. No... more In vitro propagation technique of Balanites aegyptiaca, a multipurpose woody tree was studied. Nodal segments including axillary bud from mature tree were used as an explant and their morphogenetic potential was tested on MS media with various concentrations (2.5–15.0 μM) of 6-benzyladenine (BA), Kinetin, and Thidiazuron alone or in combination with different concentrations (0.5–2.5 μM) of α-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA). Nodal segments showed axillary bud proliferation in almost all media tried. MS medium containing 12.5 μM BA alone was effective for inducing multiple shoots (5.0 ± 0.22) with an average shoot length (3.7 ± 0.26 cm) in 67% of cultures. A better shoot differentiation and elongation was achieved in a combined treatment of BA (12.5 μM) and NAA (1.0 μM). Half strength MS medium supplemented with Indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) gave the best result for rooting. The maximum frequency of root formation (68%), number of roots (5.3 ± 0.32) and root length (4.1 ± 0.38 cm) was obtained on half strength MS medium containing 1.0 μM IBA. The regenerated plantlets were potted and acclimatized successfully in a growth chamber and then moved to the greenhouse.

Acta Physiologiae Plantarum, 2007

An efficient, rapid and reproducible plant regeneration protocol was successfully developed for C... more An efficient, rapid and reproducible plant regeneration protocol was successfully developed for Cassia angustifolia using nodal explants excised from 14-day-old aseptic seedlings. Of the two cytokinins, 6-benzyladenine (BA) and thidiazuron (TDZ) evaluated as supplements to Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium, TDZ at an optimal concentration of 5.0 μM was effective in inducing multiple shoots. The highest rate of shoot multiplication was achieved on MS medium supplemented with 5.0 μM TDZ and 1.0 μM indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) at pH 5.8. The regenerated shoots when subcultured on hormone free MS medium considerably increased the rate of shoot multiplication and shoot length by end of fourth subculture passage. Rooting was achieved on the isolated shoots using MS medium with 60 μM indole -3- butyric acid (IBA) and 1% activated charcoal for 1 week and subsequently transferring the shootlets to half strength MS liquid media without IBA and activated charcoal. The in vitro raised plantlets with well-developed shoot and roots were successfully established in earthen pots containing garden soil and grown in greenhouse.

Annals of Applied Biology, 2006

A rapid and efficient protocol for the large-scale propagation of a potential medicinal plant, Mu... more A rapid and efficient protocol for the large-scale propagation of a potential medicinal plant, Mucuna pruriens, through in vitro culture of nodal segment explants obtained from 15-day-old aseptic seedlings is described. Of the three different cytokinins, 6-benzyladenine (BA), kinetin (Kin) and 2-isopentenyl adenine (2-iP) evaluated as supplements to Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium, BA at an optimal concentration of 5.0 μM was effective in inducing multiple shoots. Strength of the basal media also influenced the efficiency of shoot regeneration. The frequency of shoot regeneration tended to increase when the salt concentration in the basal media was reduced. Highest number of multiple shoots (23.3) and maximum average length (5.6 cm) were standardised on half-strength MS medium supplemented with 5.0 μM BA along with 0.5 μM α-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) at pH 5.8. Rooting was best induced in shoots excised from proliferated shoot cultures on MS medium augmented with an optimal concentration of 1.0 μM indole-3-butyric acid (IBA). The in vitro-raised plantlets with well-developed shoots and roots were successfully established in earthen pots containing garden soil and were grown in greenhouse with 90% survival rate. The results of this study provide the first report on in vitro plant regeneration of M. pruriens.