In vitro multiplication and microrhizome induction in Curcuma aromatica Salisb.

Abstract

Shoot multiplication and plant regeneration was achieved from freshly sprouted shoots of Curcuma aromatica on Murashige and Skoog's medium supplemented with BA alone (1-7 mgL(-1)) or a combination of BA (1-5 mgL(-1)) and Kn (0.5-1 mgL(-1)). A concentration of 5 mgL(-1) BA was optimum for shoot multiplication and rooting of shoots. The regenerated plants grew profusely on transfer to liquid medium. In vitro raised plants were successfully established in the field. Microrhizomes were induced at the base of the in vitro derived shoots upon transfer to medium containing various combinations and concentrations of sucrose and BA and grown under varying photoperiods. MS basal medium with 5 mgL(-1) BA, 60 gL(-1) sucrose and an 8 h photoperiod was optimum for induction of microrhizomes within 30 days of culture. Harvested microrhizomes stored in moist sand in poly-bags sprouted after 2 months of storage at room temperature. For in vitro storage, microrhizomes were grown in medium containing 0.1 mgL(-1) BA. Microrhizome formation was found to be controlled by the concentrations of BA and sucrose as well as photoperiod during culture.