IN VITRO SOMATIC EMBRYOGENESIS IN ERYNGIUM FOETIDUM L. – A MEDICINAL HERB.

Abstract

High frequency somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration was achieved on calli
developed from internodal and flower buds of E. foetidum. The explants were cultured
on Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with different concentrations and
combinations of BA and IAA. The nodal explants produced multiple adventitious shoots
while the internodal and flower buds induced callus, from which multiple shoot buds
originated. Both direct and indirect shoots elongated within 4-6 weeks of culture. The
well- organized shoots were individually separated and transferred to half strength MS
liquid medium containing NAA or IAA at different concentrations. Rhizogenesis was
observed within two weeks of transfer. They are transferred to polycups containing
vermiculite for acclimatization and finally transplanted to soil. Histology of embryogenic
calli revealed the presence of various types of embryoid and shoot buds both in the
internodal and inflorescence calli. Upto fifty-five percent of the plants survived under
field conditions.