RAPID MICROPROPAGATION FOR MUCUNA-PRURIENS F PRURIENS L

A rapid micropropagation system was developed for Mucuna pruriens f. p ruriens using explants from 1-week-old aseptically grown seedlings. Mu ltiple shoot regeneration occurred following an initial callus growth on Revised Tobacco (RT) medium supplemented with 2.7 mu m NAA and 9.8 mu M 2iP. Maximum number of shoot regeneration was achieved only from seedling explant 6 to 7 days old. More than 90% of the regenerated sho ots could be rooted on half-strength liquid RT medium supplemented wit h 2.7 mu M NAA. Plantlets readily adopted to greenhouse conditions. Th is system provides a new tool for micropropagation of Mucuna pruriens f. pruriens, an important medicinal plant.