In vitro multiplication of Pogostemon cablin Benth. through direct regeneration

An efficient method was developed to initiate multiple shoots from nodal explants of Pogostemon cablin Benth. MS medium supplemented with 0.5 mg/L BA initiated a mean of 45.66 shoots/nodal explant. Within 4 weeks of initiation, regenerated multiple shoots attained a height of 3.6 cm. Subsequent transfer of these in vitro derived nodal segments onto MS medium supplemented with BA and KN (0.5 mg/L), induced mean of 62.45 shoots. Higher concentration of either BA or KN more than 0.5 mg/L resulted in callus proliferation and showed hyperhydric shoots with morphological abnormalities. Rooting was readily achieved upon transfer of shoots on half strength MS medium supplemented with 100mg/L activated charcoal. Rooted shoots, following acclimatization in green house, were successfully transferred to soil with 91% survival. Also shoots regenerated in vitro were directly transplanted to soil and acclimatized. Tissue cultured plants were analyzed for oil content by employing gas chromatography and found that the patterns were similar to mother plants.