Efficient In Vitro Regeneration System for Tecoma stans L., Using Shoot Tip and Assessment of Genetic Fidelity Among Regenerants

The present investigation was carried out to develop an efficient regeneration protocol for Tecoma stans L., a valuable antidiabetic plant, using shoot tip explants. The effect of different concentrations (1.0–10.0 µM) of benzyl adenine (BA), kinetin (Kin) or isopentyl adenine (2-iP) either alone or in combination with different concentrations (0.1–2.0 µM) of α-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) was evaluated for in vitro shoot bud induction and proliferation. Of the tested concentrations, MS medium containing 7.5 µM BA + 0.5 µM NAA proved to be optimal for the maximum (91%) regeneration with mean shoot number (9.8 ± 0.48) and length (4.36 ± 0.33 cm) after 8 weeks of incubation. The best in vitro rooting in regenerated microshoots was achieved on MS medium supplemented with 1.0 µM IBA, which produced a mean root number (6.8 ± 0.58) and length (4.24 ± 0.29 cm) after 4 weeks of incubation. The regenerated plantlets with well-developed roots and shoots were successfully acclimatized in thermocol cups filled with soilrite, for 8 weeks, in growth chamber. Thereafter transfered to field conditions where they grew well in garden soil with 80% survival rate. During the acclimatization period (0–56 days), a subsequent increase in the content of photosynthetic pigments (chlorophyll a , b and carotenoid) was observed up to 56th day. On assessing genetic fidelity among regenerated plants through RAPD analysis, no polymorphism in banding pattern was observed with that of donor plant, thus indicating clonal stability among micropropagated plants.