Micropropagation of an important medicinal plant henna ( Lawsonia inermis.linn)

Abstract

Lawsonia inermis. Linn is an important medicinal plant used in traditional Indian systems of medicine. The plant is available in many parts of Tamilnadu. The present investigation was undertaken to explore the invitro response of various explants cultured on MS medium supplemented with PGR’s. The explants cultured were shoot tips, axillary buds, stem and leaf discs. The explants were obtained from healthy plants growing in the field or maintained in the green home, were cultured on MS medium, was supplemented with IAA, 2,4-D, 2,4,5-T, NAA, IBA, BAP, KIN and 2ip. These were added individually or in various combinations and also with coconut milk. Callus was induced in all the explants, however, caulogenesis was observed only in the nodal explants. Among the 3 explants nodal explants responded profusely in all the treatments. Multiple shoots and shoot growth was promoted in cytokinin rich and auxin low concentration treatment.