Improved furanocoumarin production in Ruta graveolens L. regenerated via in vitro stem internode cultures

Abstract

A rapid and efficient in vitro propagation protocol by enhanced multiple shoot proliferation from internode cultures of Ruta graveolens was established. Mean shoot number was maximum (55.83) in Murashige and Skoog (MS) basal medium fortified with 1.0 mg L-1 benzyl amino purine and 0.25 mg L-1 indole-3-acetic acid. The elongated shoots rooted within 10-12 days in 1/2-strength MS medium supplemented with 2.0 mg L-1 indole 3-butyric acid. About 80 % of the rooted plantlets survived acclimatization and transfer to the field. Phytochemical analysis revealed that micropropagated plants produced linear furanocoumarins, characteristic of the species, in greater quantities as compared to the in vivo-grown plants. The results will facilitate the conservation of this valuable medicinal plant and to obtain plants with improved phytochemical constituents.