Meta-topolin supported in vitro propagation of a crop wild relative Zingiber wightianum: a study on efficacy and genetic homogeneity using SPAR markers
摘要
In vitro micropropagation has emerged as a powerful tool in plant tissue differentiation and regeneration. In this study, enhanced shoot multiplication has been achieved in Zingiber wightianum, a crop wild relative of ginger having medicinal as well as pharmaceutical commercialization potential. Rhizome buds were used as explants for rapid in vitro propagation on MS medium containing two different cytokinins, namely, 6-Benzylaminopurine (BAP) and meta-Topolin (mT). High frequency shoot regeneration was observed on MS medium supplemented with 22.05µM meta-topolin (8 ± 0.14). Simultaneous rooting was observed on all the tested media combinations, however, low meta-topolin (4.14µM) in combination with NAA (2.68µM) stimulated the maximum emergence of roots (29.67 ± 0.82). Well rooted plants were successfully acclimatized and transferred to the field with a survival rate of 88%. Genetic fidelity of the micropropagated plants with that of the mother plant was ascertained using SPAR (single primer amplification reaction) markers. The present study presents a fast rate, cost effective micropropagation and conservation method of Z. wightianum for its conservation as well commercial application of its bioactive components.