MICROPROPAGATION OF LICORICE (GLYCYRRHIZA-GLABRA L.) THROUGH SHOOT-TIP AND NODAL CULTURES

Apical and axillary buds of Glycyrrhiza glabra. commonly known as lico rice, a plant of repute in the Indian system of medicine, were used fo r induction of adventitious shoots. For induction of multiple shoots, Murashige and Skoog's (MS) medium with N-6-benzyladenine (BA, 0.88-8.8 7 mu M) was used. Reduction in major salts of MS medium enhanced the m ultiplication ratio up to 1:10. Plants transferred to the greenhouse s howed 90% survival. The present work describes a stepwise protocol for production of Glycyrrhiza glabra plants on simple minimal media, wher e very high multiplication rates with healthy root systems were obtain ed. Roots being the organ of commercial importance, the protocol has t remendous potential.