SOMATIC EMBRYOGENESIS IN NARDOSTACHYS /ATAMANSI DC-AN ENDANGERED MEDICINAl HERB OF HIMALAYAS

Abstract

Callus cultures of Nardostachys jatamansi DC (Family Valerianaceae)
were established from petiole explants on a MS basal medium,
supplemented with 3.0 mg/l a-naphathaleneacetic acid (NAA) and 0.25
mg/s kinetin (kn). Somatic embryogenesis was evident when the callus
was sequentially subcultured through a series of media with gradually
decreasing levels of auxin (from 3.0 mg/l down to 0.25 mg/l NAA) and
a concomittant but gradual increase in the levels of cytokinin (from 0.25
mg/l to 2.0 mg/l in combination with 2.0 mg/l level of kn over a period
of seven months. Fully developed somatic embryos were obtaine;d when
the concentration of NAA was reduced upto 0.25 mg/l in combinatlon
with 2.0 mg/l level of kn. The formation of plantlets via somatic
embryogenesis in Nardostachys jatamansi is important in context with
the conservation of this endangered medicinal and aromatic herb of the
wet and high Himalayan range