In vitro micropropagation of<i>Catharanthus roseus</i>— An anticancer medicinal plant

Abstract

An efficient protocol was standardized using axillary bud and shoot tip explants of Catharanthus roseus — an anticancer medicinal plant. The highest number of shoots (19.6 shoots / auxiliary node) was observed after 45 days of culture in the MS medium supplemented with NAA (4.0 mg l−1) + BA (4.0 mg l−1). Shoots were proliferated and elongated in the same medium. High frequency of rooting (82.5%) was obtained in half strength MS + IBA (4.0) from axillary bud derived shoots. The rooted plantlets were successfully established in soil.