Effect of medium in shoot tips and nodal segments of andrographis paniculata

Selection of an appropriate culture medium and the use of correct growth regulators were critical for the optimum growth response of the explants. Three different media formulations Murashige and Skoog (MS), Gamborg (B5) and Nitsch were tested to find out the best nutrient composition for successful micropropagation of A. paniculata. In MS medium initial bud break was observed within 5 days of culture with a maximum average of 2.2 shoots after 30 days of culture. In Gamborg’s medium slight greening was observed but multiple shoot formation was entirely absent after 30 days of culture whereas, no shoot induction was found in the Nitsch medium. After selecting the basal medium the response of establishment of shoot tips and nodal segments in ½ and full strength MS medium was investigated. The rate of shoot proliferation was found higher in ½ MS as compared to full MS medium. In full strength MS the rate of survivability of the explants was poor moreover, browning of the explants and stunted growths were observed. Shoots tips were found to produce lesser number of multiple shoots than the nodal explants. Rooting was achieved in 0.5mg/l IAA or IBA. The regenerated plants were successfully acclimatized in the greenhouse and transferred to field with 98% survival rate.