IN VITRO MICROPROPAGATION OF CARALLUMA EDULIS (Edgew.) Benth. & Hook. f. - A RARE EDIBLE PLANT SPECIES OF INDIAN DESERT

Abstract

An in vitro micropropagation protocol was developed usi"'1g
shoot segment explant of Caralluma edulis - a very rare and
endangered edible plant of the Thar desert. Four to six multiple
shoots were initiated from nodal explant on MS medium
containing 0.25 mg 1-1 lAA (Indole-3-acetic acid) and 2.5 mg 1-1
BAP (benzylamino purine). The shoots elongated and multiplied
on a medium supplemented with 0.25 mg 1-1 IAA + 2.5 mg I-I
BAP and 2.5 mg 1-1 GA3 (Gibberellic acid). In vitro produced
shoots rooted on half strength MS medium containing 1.0 mg I-I
IBA (Indolebutyric acid) within three week