In vitro propagation of Aerva lanata (L.) Juss. ex Schult. through organogenesis

In vitro plantlet regeneration in Aerva lanata (L.) has been achieved from nodal segments cultured on MS medium supplemented with growth regulators. Nodal explants from healthy field grown plants were cultured on MS medium fortified with various concentrations of BA ( N 6 -benzyladenine), KN (kinetin) and NAA ( α-napthalene acetic acid) either alone or in combinations. The combination of BA and KN (3.0 mg/L each) was the best for multiple shoot induction through direct organogenesis. While addition of NAA (1.0 or 1.5 mg/L) to the optimal combination of BA and KN in the medium was the best and produced the maximum (10.66±1.15) multiple shoots via callus mediated organogenesis. Well-developed shoots (>3cm) were successfully rooted on half strength MS medium containing IBA (indole butyric acid; 0.5 mg/L). The regenerated plantlets were successfully established in soil with survival rate of 72 ±4%. The protocol described is simple, rapid and efficient for in vitro propagation of A. lanata from nodal explants.