Micropropagation of commercially cultivated Henna (Lawsonia inermis) using nodal explants

Lawsonia inermis Linn. (Mehandi) is cultivated as cash crop in India particularly in Sojat area of Pali district, Rajasthan. Present investigation describes an efficient regeneration system for elite genotype of L. inermis using nodal segments. Optimum response in terms of percent cultures responding, days to bud break and average shoot length was observed on MS medium supplemented with 6-benzylaminopurine (BA; 2.0 mg l(-1)). Shoot multiplication was influenced by plant growth regulators, repeated transfer of explants and addition of ammonium sulphate. Maximum shoots were regenerated on MS medium supplemented with BA (0.25 mg l(-1)), kinetin (Kn; 0.25 mg l(-1)), indole-3-acetic acid (IAA; 0.1 mg l(-1)) and ammonium sulphate (150 mg l(-1)). To reduce resources, time and labours costs, we have also attempted ex vitro rooting of shoots. About 95 % shoots were rooted ex vitro on soilrite after treatment with indole-3-butyric acid (IBA; 300 mg l(-1)) and 2-naphthoxy acetic acid (NOA; 100 mg l(-1)) and establishment in soil successfully.