Rapid in vitro Propagation of Boerhaavia diffusa (L.) through Nodal Segments

 A rapid and efficient protocol for the large scale propagation of a potential medicinal plant Boerhaavia diffusa L., through in vitro culture of nodal segment explants obtained from aseptic seedlings. In vitro multiple shoot (14-15) induction was observed from axillary bud explants cultured on MS medium fortified with BAP (2.0 mg/l) and Kn (3.5 mg/l). The multiple shoots were separated and subcultured for their elongation on same medium supplemented with gibberelic acid (0.5 mg/l). Rooting on in vitro produced elongated shoots was achieved on half MS medium having IBA (0.5 mg/l). Rooted plantlets were hardened in plastic pots containing sterilized soil and vermiculite (3:1). Well established plantlets were acclimatized to the field with 70% survival rate.  Key words: Medicinal plants, Nodal segments, Micropropagation, in vitro rooting  Plant biotechnology laboratory, Department of Botany, University of Rajasthan, Jaipur 302004, Rajastha