<i>In vitro</i> regeneration of a common medicinal plant, <i>Ocimum sanctum</i> L. for mass propagation

Abstract

Embracing micro-propagation method for large scale production of plantlets and also for protection of appropriate germplasm is a prerequisite that needs to be undertaken in order to develop a rapid in vitro regeneration protocol for Ocimum sanctum L. Shoot tips as well as nodal segments were subjected to numerous shoots inducement. Explants were cultured on Murashige and Skoog Basal Medium (MS) supplemented for different plants’ development controllers. HgCl₂ was utilized as a surface disinfecting agent. Nowadays, many researchers do not use HgCl₂, so 1% sodium hypochlorite can be used. Cleaned explants were chiseled to 3-4cm length at right edges. The explants were inoculated vertically on the culture medium. The cultures were incubated at 25±2°C under cool fluorescent light. The photoperiod was set at 16 h light and 8 h darkness by automated timer. Data on shoot induction and expansion and root induction were recorded following three weeks of inoculation and utilized for figuring. Built up plantlets were transplanted in earthen pots under circumstances and outliving degree was recited. The practically viable surface sanitization medication for explants of O. sanctum was discovered at 0.1% HgCl₂ for 7 min. 1% sodium hypochlorite also showed same result. Maximum number of shoots per culture was recorded in MS medium containing 2.0 mg/l BAP in a mixture of 0.5 mg/l NAA. Regenerated shoots of O. sanctum were rooted most effectively in full MS medium supplemented with 1.0 mg/l NAA. It was observed that nodal segments are more responsive to micropropagation than shoot tips. This protocol is used to explore the opportunities of utilizing O. sanctum L., as important medicinal plant of Bangladesh, in modern medical health care system by rapid clonal propagation, and germplasm conservation. The developed plants were acclimatized in pot successfully and also maintained in normal environment.

Keywords: Ocimum sanctum, micro-propagation, explants, nodal segments, medicinal plant, regeneration