Optimization of media constituents for shoot regeneration from leaf calluscultures of Decalepis hamiltonii Wight. & Arn.

Response surface methodology was utilized in statistical optimization of th ree quality factors (the number of multiple shoots, shoot length, and numbe r of leaves) pertaining to regeneration of plantlets from leaf calli of Dec alepis hamiltonii Wight. & Arn. (swallow root). The variables evaluated wer e the levels of sucrose, BE, and NAA each at two different concentrations. Response surfaces for shoot length and multiple shoot number were useful in achieving optimal levels of media constituents and in understanding their interactions, but response surfaces for number of leaves were not. The data indicate that sucrose, BA, and NAA levels may be manipulated to increase o r decrease quality factors chosen. This approach may be useful in developin g a micropropagation protocol for D. hamiltonii. Chemical names used: benzy ladenine (BA); napthaleneacetic acid (NAA).