High-frequency induction of multiple shoots and clonal propagation from rhizomatous nodal segments of Houttuynia cordata Thunb.—An ethnomedicinal herb of India

Summary

This study reports an efficient and direct shoot bud differentiation and multiple shoot induction from nodal segments of underground stoloniferous rhizomes of Houttuynia cordata Thumb. The frequency of shoot bud regeneration was influenced by the type of cytokinin and concentrations. Among the various concentrations used, benzylaminopurine (BAP, 17.74 μM) or kinetin (Kn, 18.58 μM) was found to be most effective for rapid and maximum shoot but differentiation. The number of shoots per explant was higher (20.00±2.61) on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with Kn (18.58 μM) compared to BAP and 6-γ-γ-(dimethyl-allylamino)-purine (2iP) during initial 40-d-old culture. Subsequent shoot differentiation and multiplication were achieved in MS medium containing 9.29 μM Kn and 15% (v/v) coconut milk. Elongation and growth of multiple shoots were also obtained on MS medium containing either 2.32 μM Kn or 2.46 μM 2iP alone. The rate of shoot multiplication during subcultures declined with an increase in the size of proliferating shoot cluster. Reducing shoot cluster size to three to four shoots and subculturing together in shoot multiplication medium resulted in a better shoot multiplication and growth, which could be maintained for 2 yr. The elongated shoots (>20 mm) were successfully rooted on MS medium supplemented with 19.60 μM indole-3-butyric acid. Regenerated plants were successfully established in soil and were found to be healthy and uniform. The protocol reported in this study can be used for conservation and utilization of elite clone of H. cordata.