IN VITRO MASS PROPAGATION OF GYNURA PROCUMBENS (LOUR.) MERR. - AN IMPORTANT MEDICINAL PLANT

An improved protocol was developed for direct micropropagation of Gynura procumbens (Lour.) Merr-an important medicinal plant, from different explants (shoot tips and nodal segments) in Murashige and shoog (MS) basal medium supplemented with different growth regulators like, Cytokinins and Auxins either alone or in combinations. Highest rate (100%) of shoot induction was observed on MS medium supplemented with 1.5 mg/l 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) and 1.0 mg/l α-naphtalene acetic Acid (NAA) from nodal explants. The highest elongation of shoot buds (8.36 cm) was obtained on MS basal medium fortified with 1.0mg/l 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) and 0.25 mg/l α-naphtalene acetic acid (NAA). The maximum number of roots (6.91±0.50) and root length (7.60cm) was observed in half strength MS medium supplemented with 0.5 mg/l indole-3-butyric acid(IBA).The rooted plantlets were acclimatized and transferred to greenhouse with 97% success. This in vitro propagation protocol should be useful for conservation as well as mass propagation of this medicinal plant.