Regeneration of Medicinal Plant Solanum virginianum L. Via Somatic Embryogenesis from Seed Explant

Author(s): Dhanashree Subhash Patil and Swaroopa Amit Patil*

Solanum virginianum L., belonging to the family Solanaceae is an important medicinal plant, used in traditional ayurvedic medicines. The present study was aimed to develop an efficient procedure for inducing somatic embryogenesis followed by regeneration in S. virginianum. The seeds of S. virginianum were used as explant and inoculated on ½ MS (Murashige and Skoog) basal medium. Stem explant from in vitro germinated seeds was used for callus induction. MS medium supplemented with 1 mg L^-1 BAP (6- Benzylaminopurine) was used for callus induction. Callus proliferation started when initiated callus was sub-cultured on various concentrations and combinations of BAP, IAA (Indole-3-Acetic Acid), IBA (Indole-3-Butyric Acid), 2,4-D (2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid) and NAA (Naphthalene acetic acid). The highest embryogenesis took place in BAP (@ 2 mg L^-1) + IAA (@ 5 mg L^-1) combination. The somatic embryos were transferred onto MS basal medium for maturation. These embryos matured and were converted into complete plantlets with well-developed shoot and root system. Highest survival percentage (98±1.24%) was observed on red soil : sand (1:1) potting mixture used for acclimatization.