In vitro Regeneration of Vitex negundo L. - A Multipurpose Woody Aromatic Medicinal Shrub

A rapid and efficient protocol was developed for inducing indirect organogenesis using leaf explants of Vitex negundo L. Explants were cultured on MS with different concentrations of 2,4-D and IAA in combination with BAP for callus induction. The frequency of callus induction increased with increasing concentration of IAA (0.3 mg/l) and BAP (0.3 mg/l) at optimal level. The shoot buds appeared emerging as green coloured protuberances on the callus. The high frequency of shoot bud initiation and shoot proliferation was observed on MS containing 0.3 mg/l IAA and 0.3 mg/l BAP. The regenerated shoots were successfully rooted on MS supplemented with 0.5 mg/l IBA. Rooted plants were transferred to pots containing sand, soil and manure in the ratio of 1 : 1 : 1. Nearly 90% survival of in vitro plants were recorded. Key words : Vitex negundo, In vitro, Leaf, Callus, Regeneration D.O.I. 10.3329/ptcb.v18i1.3263 Plant Tissue Cult. & Biotech. 18(1): 37-42, 2008 (June)