Technique for rapid micropropagation of Alternanthera bettzichiana (Regel) Nicols

A simple and efficient micropropropagation protocol was developed for Alternanthera bettzichiana using shoot tip as explants. The explants were culture in MS basal medium fortified with phytohormones and different concentration of cytokinins (BAP and KN). Maximum shoot proliferation from single explant was obtained on MS Medium incorporated with KN (5 mg/l) and MS medium with BAP Concentration (7 mg/l) showed highest and significant frequency of root proliferation. KN showed formation of small clusters only. Successful hardening-off is achieved using conditions of relatively low humidity. In Vitro regenerated plantlets were healthy and attained heights of 5-6 cm in 5 weeks which were transferred to field conditions after acclimatization with the success rate of 80 % without any seasonal constraints.