In vitro plant regeneration from decapitated embryonic axes of Clitoria ternatea L.—An important medicinal plant

In vitro clonal propagation of Clitoria ternatea has been achieved by employing decapitated embryonic axes (DEAs) explants. The explants induced multiple shoots on cytokinin-containing medium. Several cytokinins [6-benzylaminopurine (BAP), 6-furfuryl aminopurine (KIN) and thidiazuron (TDZ)] were assayed. The best response was achieved with 2 mg l−1 BAP in which 100% of cultures produced 6.0 ± 0.14 shoots per explant. MS + 1 mg l−1 gibberellic acid (GA3) was the most suitable for shoot elongation. Regenerated shoots were rooted in half-strength Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium with 0.2 mg l−1 indole-3-butyric acid (IBA). Plantlets were successfully acclimatized and established in soil, and they were morphologically indistinguishable from the source plant. The plantlets attained maturity and flowered normally. The efficient regeneration protocol reported here provides an important method of micropropagation of this plant. Furthermore, this protocol may be used for genetic transformation of this valuable medicinal plant for its further improvement.

► High frequency shoot regeneration from decapitated embryonic axes was developed on MS + 2 mg l−1 BAP. Shoot regeneration is free from callus formation.
► BAP is best cytokinin than kinetin and TDZ for shoot regeneration. MS + 1 mg l−1 GA3 found most suitable for shoot elongation.
► Half-strength MS medium containing 0.2 mg l−1 IBA supports the rooting of micro shoots.
► Acclimatized plantlets were established in soil without any morphological variations.
► This protocol may be used for genetic transformation and improvement of Clitoria ternatea L.