In vitro multiplication of Curcuma longa Linn.-an important medicinal zingiber

Abstract

Curcuma longa Linn. is a herbaceous perennial plant belonging to the family Zingiberaceae. In viro protocol for the regeneration of plantlets from the sprouted rhizomes of turmeric was optimized. Murashige and Skoog media supplemented with different concentrations and combinations of cytokinins and varied percentage of sucrose were experimented. Murashige and Skoog media supplemented with benzyl amino benzene (BAP) at the concentration of 2mg/l and sucrose 3% showed the best regeneration in comparison to Kinetin when used singly. Combination of 2mg/1 BAP and 3mg/ Kinetin resulted in highest number of shoots. The same media showed spontaneous rooting. Healthy regenerated plantlets were selected for hardening in sterile mixture of garden soil and sand in the ratio of 1:1. Ninety three percent of the micropropagated plantlets survived to maturity when transferred to soil.