Plant Regeneration from the Leaf Explants of Enicostemma littorale Blume through Direct Organogenesis

A rapid and reproducible protocol has been developed for in vitro regeneration of plantlets from leaf explants of Enicostemma littorale Blume (Gentianeceae). Leaf segments isolated from young healthy plants were cultured on MS medium fortified with different concentrations of cytokinins (BAP, KIN) ranging from 5 - 25 M or in combination with IAA (2 M). Inclusion of IAA into BAP+KIN supplemented medium triggered a high frequency of regeneration response from leaf explants. Maximum number of shoots (16.3) with highest shoot length (8.46 cm) were observed on MS medium supplemented with 15 M BAP plus 5 M KIN and 2 M IAA. The isolated shoots were cultured on half strength MS medium containing different concentration of auxins (IAA, IBA and NAA). The best rooting was observed on half strength MS medium augmented with 2 M NAA. The regenerated plantlets were successfully hardened on foam cups containing soil, farm yard manure and sand (211) with 75-80 % survival rate. Abbreviations ANOVA Analysis of Variance, BAP Benzylaminopurine, DMRT Duncan Multiple Range Test, IAA Indole Acetic Acid, IBA Indole Butyric Acid, KIN Kinetin (6-Fufuralaminopurine), NAA Naphthalene Acetic Acid, TDZ Thidiazuron.