In Vitro Rapid Multiplication Protocol for Ex Situ Conservation of the Rare, Endemic Medicinal Plant Achyranthes coynei

Achyranthes coynei is a rare, endemic species with potential medicinal properties. The present study aimed to develop an efficient in vitro rapid multiplication protocol for A. coynei . It was successfully propagated in vitro using apical shoot tips as explants. A combination of 6-benzylaminopurine (3.0 mg · L −1 ), thidiazuron (0.5 mg · L −1 ), and kinetin (0.5 mg · L −1 ) in MS basal proved best for multiple shoot induction, yielding 4.8 shoots per explant after 60 days of culture. The shoots were rooted with a frequency of 80 % after 30 days of culture on MS agar medium fortified with IBA/NAA (0.5 mg · L −1 ) before being acclimatized in the greenhouse. The developed protocol will serve as a tool to restore the rare status of the plant and will append its sustainable utilization.