Efficient Procedure for In vitro Microrhizome Induction in Curcuma longa L. (Zingiberaceae) - A Medicinal Plant of Tropical Asia

Abstract

An improved in vitro microrhizome induction system in Curcuma longa L. has been developed. Freshly sprouted axillary buds from underground rhizomes were used as initial explants and multiplied through established in vitro systems. Multiplied shoots were excised and subcultured on hormone free medium for four weeks to induce microrhizome. Effects of light, sucrose and growth regulators on in vitro microrhizome production have been studied. Nine per cent sucrose was found to be the most suitable for microrhizome production, when incubated in the dark. Various concentrations of BA and Kn, and NAA were tested. BA (12.0 µM) and NAA (0.3 µM) were found suitable for the induction of microrhizomes. Larger microrhizomes performed better under in vivo conditions and developed shoots readily, when they were transferred directly from in vitro to soil without acclimatization. Microrhizomes produced under in vitro conditions can be stored and transported easily which are advantageous for in vitro shoot multiplication.