First Report on Callus Induction in Ashoka (Saraca indica): an Important Medicinal Plant

Leaves cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) media supplemented with BAP (2 mg/L) and NAA (0.5 mg/L) showed calli formation in 29.4% explants. When cultured on half strength MS media (2 mg/L BAP and 0.5 mg/L NAA), 13.3% explants could produce calli. Hypocotyls segments cultured on full strength MS media showed good callusing response (52.6%). Culture of explants on the half strength MS media produced calli in 77.8% of explants. When segments of epicotyls were placed on full strength MS media, a callusing response of 83.3% was observed. Segments when were placed on half strength MS media, a maximum response of 88.9% was observed. The calli failed to differentiate into shoots when sub-cultured on shoot induction media.