Micropropagation of Tribulus terrestris Linn.

Abstract

A simple and efficient method for high frequency direct shoot regeneration from nodal explants of Tribulus terrestris Linn. (Family ─ Zygophyllaceae), a medicinally important plant is described in this paper. Woody Plant Medium (WPM) supplemented with 4.0 mg/l BA was found to be most effective in inducing bud break, growth and also in initiating multiple shoot proliferation at the rate of six to seven micro-shoots per nodal explant after four weeks of culture. A high frequency multiplication rate was established by repeated sub-culturing. Excised shoots were rooted on MS basal medium without any growth regulators and got established after a hardening process with 80% survival. Micropropagated plants grew well under field conditions, attained maturity and flowered. No phenotypical differences were observed among regenerated plants.