CONSERVATION OF HOLOSTEMMA ADA-KODIEN SCHULT.-AN IN VITRO APPROACH.

The purpose of this study was to develop a new system of micropropagation for the conservation of Holostemma ada-kodien Schult., a valuable medicinal plant .The explants cultured on full strength Murashige and Schoog?s (MS) medium supplemented with different combinations of growth regulators and also with additive ,adenine sulphate (AdS). MS medium with BAP (1.5 mgL-1) and AdS (1.0 mg L-1) the nodal explants showed faster initiation of shoots. Explants cultured on MS medium and BAP (3mgL-1) in combination with AdS(1mgL-1) was the best for shoot multiplication. The effect in nodal explant on MS medium fortified with BAP (2mg L-1), NAA(1mg L-1) shown well developed nodular compact pale green callus. The root tubers of this plant is medicinally important and it is useful to cough, opthalmopathy, orchitis, burning sensation, stomachalgia, fever and to cure 'tridosha'. The medicinal properties of Holostemma are due to the presence of terpenoid sugars and amino acids. This study deals with the analysis of in vitro propagation of shoot and induced callus of Holostemma with short duration of time.