Plant Tissue Cult. & Biotech. 17(2): 125-130, 2007 (December)

In vitro Micropropagation of Datura metel L. through Somatic Embryos from Root Explants

P. Nithiya* and D.I. Arockiasamy

Department of Plant Biology and Plant Biotechnology, St. Josephs College, Trichirappalli-620002, India

Key words: Somatic embryos, Root explants, Micropropagation, Datura metel

Abastract

A simple reproducible protocol has been reported from root explants for in vitro micropropagation of Datura metel through somatic embryos. A large number of somatic embryos were developed from these explants on MS supplemented with BAP 4.0 mg/l 15 days after inoculation. Subsequently all embryos developed into plants while they were attached to the explants. Fast shoot elongation and root growth were achieved in MS containing BAP 2.0 mg/l, GA3 1.0 mg/l and IBA 1.0 mg/l. These plantlets had a well developed tap root system and hundreds of plantlets could be easily separated from the initial root explants. The well rooted plantlets were hardened in plastic cups containing sterilized vermiculite, garden soil and farmyard soil (1 : 1 : 1). These plants were success-fully transferred and grown in the soil mixture after two weeks with a survival rate of 90%. The protocol developed should prove to be highly promising to produce large quantities of plants in a short period of time.

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