Ashok Ahuja

Regeneration of Plantlets via Callus Cultures in Celastrus paniculatus Willd-A Rare Endangered Medicinal Plant

Plantlet regeneration in Celastrus paniculatus Willd (Celastraceae), an endangered medicinal plant has been achieved from cotyledonary leaf-derived callus. The cotyledonary leaves from mature embryo callused on MS medium supplemented with NAA (5 × 10-6 M) and Kinetin (5 × 10-6 M) with a doubling time of 16.2 days. Well developed multiple shoots of 5.6 cm could be obtained via organogenesis within 28 days on MS + BA (2 × 10-5 M). Altered shoot morphology occurred with the change in the concentration of auxins and cytokinins. Rooting (85%) of isolated shoots was achieved on McCown medium (WPM) containing IBA (5 × 10-6 M). Rooted plantlets were transferred in small pots containing sand, garden soil and vermiculite mix. The procedure can serve as a reliable and reproducible protocol for propagation and ex situ conservation ofthis species.

Enhanced bacoside production in shoot cultures of Bacopa monnieri under the influence of abiotic elicitors

The effect of different abiotic elicitors [jasmonic acid, copper sulphate (CuSO4) and salicyclic acid] at varying concentrations on the stimulation of biomass and bacoside production in in vitro Bacopa monnieri shoot culture was studied. A systematic study conducted over a period of 35 days indicated that the maximum bacoside production (6.74 mg g− 1 dry weight (DW)) was obtained after a lag of 7 days and thereafter, the content decreased gradually to again increase at 28 days (5.91 mg g− 1 DW). Therefore, elicitation experiments were carried out over a period of 3, 6 and 9 days. The shoot cultures treated with 45 mg L− 1 of CuSO4 exhibited the highest bacoside content of 8.73 mg g− 1 DW (∼1.42-fold higher) than in control cultures (6.14 mg g− 1 DW). This study indicates the effectiveness of abiotic elicitation on bacoside production in in vitro shoot cultures of this medicinally important herb known for its memory-enhancing properties.

Production dynamics of Withaferin A in Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal complex

Withaferin A (WA) is an important withanolide holding promise in cancer treatment and as a relatively safe radiosensitive/chemotherapeutic agent, which is present in traces in all parts of Withania somnifera except the leaves, where as it is reported to be present in only two non-Indian chemotypes (South African chemotype/Israel chemotype 1). The present studies have marked its presence in all Indian populations (wild/cultivated), as well as two identified Indian chemotypes (AGB002 and AGB025). The quantitative dynamics of WA production in Indian populations and interchemotypic hybrids developed at our institute have been studied, and the results were compared with five previously reported chemotypes from Israel, South Africa and India. An analysis on inheritance characteristics based on presence/absence of WA in hybrid plants and their respective parents is given for future studies on the chemogenetics of this complex species in greater detail. Further, the production potential of WA in vitro propagated plants of elite varieties developed at our institute is discussed, in view of maintaining chemotypic fidelity and stability from a production point of view. Also, evidence-based clues suggesting the leaves as the site of the synthesis of WA is provided.

Variability and selection on different Argyrolobium roseum accessions for morphological traits and yield

Variability studies were carried out among different accessions of Argyrolobium roseum for 12 metric traits under natural and cultivated conditions. Almost all characters showed higher values in cultivated than natural population. Leaf breadth recorded highest CV (30.59%). Highest percentage of vitexin and D-pinitol (0.208 and 0.773% dwb) was observed in RAR-7 and RAR-6, respectively, under cultivated conditions. Phenotypic coefficient was higher than genotypic coefficient of variation. The association analysis revealed that root yield had positive significant correlation with 100 seed weight (r=0.839) biomass yield (r=0.601), where biomass yield had a positive significant correlation with leaf length, single pod weight. High heritability (97.4–99.8%) coupled with moderate genetic advance ranged between (49–67%) as a percent of mean was observed for leaf breadth, pod length, total foliage biomass yield and total root yield/plant. This suggests that direct selection for these traits is suitable for the improvement of this crop.

Rapid in vitro propagation of Potentilla fulgens Wall - a Himalayan alpine herb of medicinal value.

An in vitro regeneration system has been developed for Potentilla fulgens, which is an important Himalayan medicinal herb. Axillary shoot proliferation through shoot tip culture has been achieved on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium containing 1mg l−1 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) and 1 mg l−1 indole-3-acetic acid (IAA). Continuous production of plantlets with better rate of shoot multiplication and elongation obtained on MS medium supplemented with 1mg l−1 kinetin (Kin) alone or combined with 1mg l−1 α-napthaleneacetic acid (NAA). Established plantlets were successfully transferred to soil in a green house. The procedure ensures 12-fold plantlet production every 6 weeks.

In vitro Propagation and Conservation of Atropa acuminata Royle ex Lindl -An Indigenous Threatened Medicinal Plant

A micropropagation method has been developed for multiplication and conservation of Atropa acominata by induction of axillary shoot proliferation from shoot tips and nodal explants using Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with BAP ( 1 mg I-1) and IBA (1 mg I-1). Revised tobacco (RT) medium with IAA (1 mg I-1) was found most suitable for shoot elongation. Rooting was highest on full strength RT medium containing IBA (1 mg I-1). In vitro raised plantlets were hardened and transferred to soil.