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International Journal of Agriculture, Environment & Biotechnology

Citation: IJAEB: 7(4): 889-894 December 2014

DOI Number: 10.5958/2230-732X.2014.01401.6

HORTICULTURE

In vitro multiplication of madhunashini ( Gymnema sylvestre

Retz.)

Hosahalli Kaganath Akshitha 1 *, Konnan Umesha 2 , Bangalore Narayanappa

Sathyanarayana 3 and Waman Ajit Arun 4

1 Division of Crop Improvement and Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Spices Research, Kozhikode-673 012, Kerala, India

2 Department of PMAS, PG Centre, UHS Campus, GKVK Post, Bangalore, Karnataka-560 065, India

3 Department of Horticulture, UAS, GKVK, Bangalore, Karnataka-560 065, India

4 Division of Horticulture and Forestry, Central Island Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR), Port Blair- 744101, Andaman and Nicobar

Islands, India

*Corresponding author: akshi.hosahalli10@gmail.com

Paper No. 282

Received : 10 April, 2014

Accepted: 15 November, 2014

Published: 20 December, 2014

Abstract

Study was conducted for the in vitro multiplication of madhunashini by using immature seeds as

explants. Immature seeds were cultured directly on to media containing different concentrations and

combinations of auxin and cytokinin. Germination of seeds into plantlets was observed in the media

containing cytokinins, however, the seeds cultured on media containing auxins at the expense of plantlet

formation produced callus. Cent per cent of the explants responded when inoculated on Murashige and

Skoog (MS) media containing Benzylaminopurine (BAP - 1.0 mg l -1 ), Kinetin (Kn - 0.5 mg l -1 , 1.0 mg l -1

and 2.0 mg l -1 ) and BAP + Kn (1.0+1.0 mg l -1 ). Height of plantlet (19.74 mm) was significantly higher in

MS media supplemented with BAP 0.5 mg l -1 . Maximum number of leaves (3.12) were produced on MS

media supplemented with Kn 2.0 mg l -1 . Nodal explants obtained from in vitro seedlings when cultured

on the media containing cytokinins induced proliferation of shoots. Number of shoots (5.50) produced

and length of shoot (18.53 mm) was found to be maximum at lower concentrations of BAP 1.0 mg l -1

and Kn 0.5 mg l -1 . Leaves from in vitro seedlings when used as explants and cultured on media with

cytokinins did not show any response.

Highlights

This study is the first study in madhunashini on the use of immature seeds as explants for in vitro

culture

Immature seeds responded well in Murashige and Skoog media

Rooting was confirmed by using fluorescent microscopy

Keywords: Growth regulators, immature seeds, nodal explants, murashige and skoog media

Madhunashini ( Gymnema sylvestre Retz.) is a member

medicine. In India, it has been known from antiquity

of the family Asclepiadaceae and indigenous to

for the treatment of Diabetes mellitus.

India. It is called Gudmar in Hindi and madhunashini

The data on the exact area and production of this

in Kannada and Sanskrit, means sugar or sweetness

crop is not available and due to heavy demand, the

destroyer. It is used both in the Ayurvedic and

plant has become endangered and its commercial

Unani medicine. The plant is stomachic, laxative and

cultivation has recently gained importance in

diuretic. It is used both in the Ayurvedic and Unani