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Rauvolfia micrantha Hook. f. has garnered significant attention within the biomedical industry due to its efficacy in reducing blood pressure, primarily attributed to the presence of reserpine in the oleoresin extracted from its roots. However, the commercial cultivation of R. micrantha faces challenges such as poor seed viability, low germination rates, and considerable genetic variation. This study presents an optimized protocol for establishing aseptic cultures using a semisolid nutrient culture medium to produce plantlets. Stem node explants of R. micrantha were cultured on MS medium with varying concentrations of cytokinins TDZ/BAP/KN (0.5-8.0 mg/L). The highest proliferation of shoot buds was observed at 6.0 mg/L TDZ, with diminished efficacy at concentrations exceeding this threshold. Moreover, incorporating (2.0 mg/L) NAA in the MS medium enhanced root formation in the laboratory-grown shoots. Following successful cultivation, the plants derived from nodal cultures were transferred to pots with garden soil and placed in shaded outdoor conditions, mirroring suitable temperature and light levels. Remarkably, under glasshouse or field conditions, 90-95% of lab-grown plants exhibited survival, with 85% maintaining a consistent phenotype. After 8 weeks in their new environment, these plants blossomed, underscoring the robustness of the established protocol. The methodology outlined herein offers a rapid and reliable means to propagate true-to-type R. micrantha plants, addressing the challenges associated with traditional cultivation methods. This advancement holds promise for supporting the sustainable production of R. micrantha for its biomedical applications.
Rajesham P Rama Devi (Tue,) studied this question.