Micropropagation of Andrographis producta through axillary and adventitious shoot regeneration

Andrographis producta (C. B. Clarke) Gamble is a valuable medicinal plant that yields several therapeutic compounds. In addition, this species is endemic to the Western Ghats regions of South India. Natural populations of Andrographis producta have dwindled due to the overexploitation of this species. The objective of the present study was to develop a reliable In vitro propagation protocol for this plant species.

In vitro plant regeneration protocol has been developed in Andrographis producta using nodal and shoot tip explants. The highest axillary shoots (14.60) were regenerated from nodal explants on MS medium amended with 10 μM 2-iP. Similarly, on MS media amended with 5 μM BAP, 17.50 shoots were regenerated from shoot tip explants. Optimal of 27.66 adventitious shoots were regenerated from the cut end of shoot tip explants on MS medium amended with 10 μM 2-iP. Medium amended with 10 μM 2-iP was optimum for regeneration of multiple axillary shoots from nodal explants and for the adventitious shoots regeneration from shoot tip explants. Shoot tips were ideal explants for the micropropagation of A. producta. Qarter sthrength MS media supplemented with 10 μM IBA has resulted in maximum rooting of the shoots.

A reliable In vitro micropropagation method was developed in Andrographis producta through direct organogenesis, and this method is helpful for the multiplication, conservation, and utilization of this plant.