High frequency in vitro shoot regeneration of <i>Momordica balsamina</i>, an important medicinal and nutritional plant

Abstract

A protocol was developed for in vitro propagation by multiple shoot induction of Momordica balsamina (Cucurbitaceae), a climber with high medicinal and nutritional values. High frequencies of multiple shoot regeneration were achieved from auxillary bud of nodal explants. The bud explants were cultured on MS media supplemented with 1.0 mg/L benzyl amino purine (BAP) which stimulated proliferation of the bud meristems to form bud clusters having 6 to 8 co-efficient. The elongated shoots were sub-cultured for rooting on ½ MS media supplemented with 0.3 mg/L NAA and 0.2% activated charcoal. The plantlets raised in vitro were acclimatized in green house and successfully transplanted to natural condition with 70% survival. Direct organogenesis of explants and regeneration of M. balsamina offer a good opportunity to use tissue culture as a complementary tool for breeding and genetics for other applications.

Key words: Momordica balsamina, regeneration, in vitro propagation, cucurbitaceae.