Callus Induction and Plant Regeneration in Rauvolfia Serpentina (L.) Benth Ex. Kurz.
Rauvolfia serpentina (L.) ex. Kurz is an important medicinal plant. Callus induction and regeneration was studied from stem explant of in-vitro grown plant of Rauvolfia serpentina(L.) Benth. ex Kurz (Apocynaceae) on Murashige Skoog (1962) medium supplemented with 1mg/l 2,4-Dichlorophenocy acetic acid (2,4-D) and 1mg/l Kinetin (Kn). Vigorous growth of callus occurs after 4 weeks of culture. Callus was sub-cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with different concentration of 2, 4-D (0.5-3.0 mg/l) and 10% coconut milk. Regeneration of plantlets occurred on MS medium containing 3 mg/1 of 2, 4-D and 10% coconut milk. These plantlets were rooted on MS medium supplemented with 1 mg/l IAA .The regenerated plantlets were able to grow on soil after short period ofacclimatization. Key words: Explant; In-vitro culture; MS medium; 2, 4 Dichlorophenoxy acetic acid; Kinetin; Callus; Tissue culture; Coconut milk. Journal of Natural History Museum Vol. 24, 2009 Page: 82-88