In vitro culture medium and explant type effect on callogenesis and shoot regeneration in Crescentia alata Kunth

Abstract

The present investigation deals with the callus induction and shoot regeneration of Crescentia alata. C. alata belongs to the family Bignoniaceae and it is commonly called as Mexican Calabash tree. The destruction of this plant species is severe and planting of seedlings is almost negligible. Due to low germination and unsuccessful vegetative propagation, in vitro regeneration of Crescentia alata through micropropagation was studied as a tool for large scale propagation. In present investigation which is first report on in vitro propagation of C. alata. Different treatments were employed for surface sterilization of explants. Stem and leaf segments cultured on MS medium supplemented with different concentrations and different combinations of PGRs (BAP, IBA, NAA, IAA, Kn and 2, 4-D).The maximum amount of callus induction was observed from BAP 2mg/l + IBA 1 mg/l+ IAA 0.5mg/l respectively .The proliferation of shoots achieved directly from nodal explants and shoots formed was maximum (3-5) with early response on MS medium supplemented with BAP 3 mg/l + IBA 1 mg/l+ IAA 0.5mg/l respectively. In this study the regeneration system is efficient for callus induction and shoots development, showing high potential for advanced cellular and molecular studies. This study may contribute in conservation management and production of secondary metabolites of this plant species especially in India.