Effect of Various Factors on Plantlet Regeration of Curculigo orchioides Gaertn

Curculigo orchiodes Gaertn. is an endangered anticarcinogenic and aphrodisiac herb. It is available during approximately four months of the monsoon season each year. Due to over exploitation of the plant for various medicinal uses, there is a tremendous need of conserving this endangered species. In vitro multiplication of the plant can ensure its availability throughout the year. Leaf explants of Curculigo orchiodes Gaertn. cultured on modified Murshiage and skoog medium (MS), devoid of any plant growth regulators produced a limited number of plantlets that originated directly from the midrib. Differences in the plantlet regeneration rate were observed by trying various physical as well as chemical factors like different phytohormones, different sucrose concentrations and different strength of the MS medium. These comparative studies can be of great help in establishing an efficient in vitro propagation system to yield higher number of healthy plants per explants. The cultures on transfer onto terracare and soilrite (Chowgule Industries Ltd., Bangalore) could survive in the laboratory and showed increase in numbers of leaves as well as leaf expansion accompanied by root elongation and proliferation and tuber formation.