In Vitro Clonal Propagation of Plumbago rosea L.: A Potential Medicinal Plant

Rapid in vitro clonal propagation of Plumbago rosea was achieved through nodal culture. Multiple shoots were induced from nodal explants on MS medium supplemented with 1.5 mg/l 6-benzylaminopurine, 50 mg/l adenine sulfate and 3% (w/v) sucrose. Supplement of IAA or IBA (0.1mg/l) in the culture medium enhanced the frequency of multiple shoot production. The rate of shoot multiplication (average number of shoots per responding explant) ranged from 13.2 to 15.8 during 6th to 9th subculture period. Induction of rooting was readily achieved upon transferring the excised shoots onto half-strength MS medium supplemented with 0.1 � 0.25 mg/l IBA and 2% (w/v) sucrose. Micropropagated plantlets were hardened in the greenhouse and successfully established in soil.