Callus culture and micropropagation of Hydrocotyle asiatica [Centella asiatica (L.) Urban], a medicinal plant

Callus culture and micropropagation of Hydrocotyle asiatica was achieved on MS medium. Young leaf explants produced a compact callus in MS medium supp lemented with 0.5 mg l(-1) 2 o 4 dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and 0.5 mg l(-1) kinetin (Kn). Nodal segments harbouring single axillary buds prol iferated well in 1/2 strength MS medium supplemented with 2.0 mg l(-1) benz ylaminopurine (BA), 0.5 mg l(-1) kinetin (Kn) & 0.25 mg l(-1) indolebutyric acid (IBA). Prolonged culture on this medium or transfer to 1/2 MS medium devoid of hormones resulted in profuse rooting. Well rooted plants could be acclimatized successfully by adjusting temperature and humidity for 2-3 we eks after transfer to pots filled with garden soil.