Effect of phytohormones on shoot apex and leaf explants of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha)

Abstract

An efficient protocol for callus induction of Withania somnifera through in vitro culture of shoot apex and leaf explant was standardized. Of the various combinations of phytohormones evaluated, MS media supplemented with 6-furfuryl aminopurine (KIN) 0.5 mg/l + 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2, 4-D) 2.0 mg/l was found to be best
for mean callus induction (86%) in leaf explants after 6 weeks of culture and in case of shoot apex expant the best response and growth of callusing was observed on MS medium supplemented with 2,4-D 1.0 mg/l + BAP 2.0 mg/l (77%).The response of callus growth increases gradually with the reductions in concentration of KIN in culture
medium of both the explants. This protocol might be used in further research for mass propagation of W. somnifera via indirect regeneration methods.