EFFECT OF PLANT GROWTH REGULATORS ON MICROPROPAGATION OF Catharanthus roseus

Research in plant biotechnology is playing a crucial role in the production and conservation of plant-based resources globally. The aim of the work is to establish favourable culture medium condition for regeneration and better growth of Catharanthus roseus explant. Plant Micropropagation has also been used as a tool for the propagation of genetically manipulated superior clones. Our attempt was made to develop micropropagation as suitable condition for cloning of Catharanthus roseus. After optimizing the culture media of explant culture, the repeated subculturing was performed at regular intervals for 5 weeks. The roots were developed within 10 days. IBA concentration and the period of pulse treatment had significant effects on the average number of roots produced per shoot. Rooted plants were successfully acclimatized at room temperature in soil contained in pots. All plants flowered and set seeds in the greenhouse after 3 months. It is an attempt to highlight some of the important landmarks of tissue culture of medicinal plants and it is also as important recent development in vitro technology.