CALLUS MEDIATED ORGANOGENESIS AND PLANT REGENERATION OF CINNAMOMUM TAMALA NEES. (LAURACEAE) FROM LEAF AND ZYGOTIC EMBRYOS

Abstract

Cinnamomum tamala is a multipurpose economically important plant. The leaves and bark are used as spice and contributes to the different ‘Ayurvedic’ drug preparation. Due to over-exploitation for spice and medicines, the species is vulnerable in its natural habitat. In the present study, a successful attempt was made for callus mediated plant regeneration of the species from leaf and zygotic embryos. The cultured foliar explants developed callus on MS medium fortified with sucrose (3%, w/v), PVP (100 mgl^-1) and BA + NAA (6 and 3 µM respectively in combination) where ~28% explants responded positively. The cultured immature embryo of 12 week after flowering developed callus on MS medium conjunct with sucrose (3%), PVP (100 mgl^-1) and NAA + BA (6 and 2 µM respectively in combination) where ~55% cultured embryos resulted into callus. The meristematic loci and shoot buds developed from the resultant calli subsequently on the respectively initiation medium. The shoot buds converted into plantlets on MS medium fortified with sucrose (3%), Kn (3 µM). The rooted plants were established in the poly house in the potting mix where ~70% transplants survived.