In vitro sterilization protocol for micro-propagation of Withania somnifera L. Dunal

Talat Ara^a*& A. K. Choudhary^a
University Department of Botany, Ranchi University, Ranchi.

Received, 16th December. 2013 : Revised: 29^th January, 2014

Abstract :For obtaining contamination free cultures the most important step is sterilization. In the present study the sterilization protocol was standardize for Withania somnifera. Effect of mercuric chloride in different concentration for different time period was checked for shoot tip explant.. 0.025%, 0.05%, 0.1% and 0.2 of Hgcl₂ for 5, 10, 15 minutes for shoot tips were checked. Its found that high concentration with long time period was harmful for explant causing large rate of deadening .10% Hgcl₂ for 10 mins for shoot tips found best sterilization chemical after 15 mins thorough wash with 0.1% bavistin and at last washed with double distilled water. The results revealed a significant relationship between the concentration and time period of Hgcl₂ and surviving % of explant of Ashwagandha in tissue culture.