In vitro propagation of Aconitum balfourii Stapf: A rare medicinal herb of the alpine Himalayas

Abstract

Small vegetative parts of Aconitum balfourii from different growth stages were excised for in vitro establishment. The callus induction was achieved from cultured leaf segment on MS medium fortified with NAA (2.5 mg/l) and BAP (1 mg/l). Calli upon transfer onto MS medium containing BA alone (0.5-4 mg/l) for shoot regeneration, multiplication and elongation. Up to 25 shoots per culture flask were obtained on 2 mg/l BAP after 7-8 weeks of culture. The optimum rooting on micro-shoots was observed on MS supplemented with IAA (1.8 mg/l). The in vitro developed plantlets with elongated roots were then subjected for further ex vitro rooting, acclimatization and hardening.