In vitro Propagation of two Endemic and Endangered Taxa Flemingia Tuberosa Dalz and Merremia Rhyncorhiza Hallier

Abstract

Two endemic and endangered plant species Flemingia tuberosa Dalz. and Merremia rhyncorhiza Hallier were selected for the present work. newlineFlemingia is a genus with near about 26 species. The selected Flemingia tuberosa Dalz. species has edible tubers. It flowers and fruits during October to December. It s tubers are eaten by locals fresh or cooked. Because of it s over exploitation, it has become endemic and endangered. It is also used in case of dysentery and vaginal discharges. newlineMerremia is a genus with about 40 species. The selected Merremia rhyncorhiza Hallier species flowers and fruits in October. It bears a bunch of edible tuberous roots, which are eaten fresh or cooked. Leaves are utilized as vegetable by locals. It is also reported as an endemic and endangered species. newlineTherefore, both these species were selected for the standardization of micropropagation study. newlineIn this present work, protocols for in vitro seed germination, in vitro multiple shoot induction, regeneration through callus, somatic embryogenesis, rooting of in vitro regenerated shoots, acclimatization of plantlets have been standardised. Results of HR-LCMS are also reported for both the plants. newlineFlemingia tuberosa Dalz. newlineSeed germination obtained by scarification with needle gave 80% germination within 8-10 days. Half strength MS alone was the best for in vitro seed germination with 70 % result. newlineIn vitro clonal propagation protocol was standardized using nodal explants with an average number of 8.6 ± 0.4 shoots/culture in MS + 2 mg/l BAP and 2mg/l IBA with 70% response. Leaf explants induced good callus in full MS + 2 mg/l BAP + 0.5 mg/l 2,4-D and was the best for callus induction. However, there was no regeneration in it. This callus when subcultured on MS + 2mg/l BAP + 1.0 mg/l Zeatin + 0.5 mg/l 2,4-D induced regeneration of shoots with 4.9 ± 0.4 shoots per culture with average shoot length of 3.6 ± 0.1 cm. The callus produced on MS + 2mg/l BAP + 0.5 mg/l 2,4-D was subcultured on MS + 2mg/l Zeatin + 0.5 mg/l 2,4-D + 1mg/l Picloram. This induced i