Micropropagation of licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra L.) through shoot tip and nodal cultures

Apical and axillary buds of Glycyrrhiza glabra. commonly known as licorice, a plant of repute in the Indian system of medicine, were used for induction of adventitious shoots. For induction of multiple shoots, Murashige and Skoog's (MS) medium with N-6-benzyladenine (BA, 0.88-8.87 mu M) was used. Reduction in major salts of MS medium enhanced the multiplication ratio up to 1:10. Plants transferred to the greenhouse showed 90% survival. The present work describes a stepwise protocol for production of Glycyrrhiza glabra plants on simple minimal media, where very high multiplication rates with healthy root systems were obtained. Roots being the organ of commercial importance, the protocol has tremendous potential.