Studies on in-vitro multiplication in pointed gourd (Trichosanthes dioeca) through single-node-cuttings

Vishwa Raj Lal*, Bikash Dasa and A.K. Singhb
Department of Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology
Dr. Hari Singh Gaur University, Sagar, Madhya Pradesh (470001)
a,b Horticulture and Agro-Forestry Research Programme, Plandu, Ranchi 834010
* Jamshedpur Womens’ College, Department of Biotechnology, Jamshedpur
Received ………………….. Revised……………………

Abstract : In vitro propagation of  Trichosanthes dioeca Roxb.locally known as patal. Being very rich in protein and vitamin A, it has certain medicinal properties and many reports are available regarding its role in circulatory system especially in lowering blood sugar and serum triglycerides (3). The fruits are easily digestible and diuretic in nature. It is also known to have antiulcerous effects (5).Being a dioecious crop, the female plants are of economic importance. Propagation of pointed gourd by seeds not only leads to heterozygosity, but also leads to production of maximum proportion of male plants, which are unproductive. For rapid multiplication of pointed gourd plants, micro propagation holds promise. Standardization of media was done by using different combinations of auxins like IAA (1.0 µM) and IBA (0.2 µM) and Benzyl Adenine (0.5 ppm, 1.0 ppm and 1.5 ppm), alone or in combinations in basal media (Moorashige and Skoog media).In both the genotypes of parwal, rooting and shooting initiated, four days after inoculation. The intensity of root and shoot initiation varied according to cultivar in different media. Between the two female cultivars (Swarna Alaukik and Swarna Rekha), Swarna Alaukik was more prolific with regard to root and shoot initiation than Swarna Rekha. However, during later stages, the rate of rooting and shooting was at par. In cv. Swarna Alaukik, the per cent of explant having both root and shoot in case of media containing IAA+IBA was at par with that containing only BA (1.0 ppm). However, media containing a combination of IAA (1.0 µmol), IBA (0.2 µmol) and BA (1.0ppm) resulted in the maximum per cent (82.5%) of plants having roots and shoots.

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