Standardization of An Efficient Micropropagation Protocol for Bacopa monnieri (L.) Pennell | Chapter 1 | Microbiology and Biotechnology Research: An Overview Vol. 6

 

Bacopa monnieri (L.) Pennell, commonly known as “Brahmi,” is a medicinally important plant widely used in Ayurveda for its neuroprotective and memory-enhancing properties. Despite its high medicinal value, large-scale cultivation of B. monnieri using conventional methods is limited by low seed viability, seasonal growth constraints, and habitat degradation. Micropropagation plays an important role in providing a practical solution by enabling the rapid production of disease-free, genetically uniform plantlets in a relatively short period. The present study aimed to standardise an efficient in vitro micropropagation protocol by optimising explant type, surface sterilisation, hormone concentration, and sucrose level. Nodal and leaf segments were selected as explants, sourced from the medicinal garden at the Onattukara Regional Agricultural Research Station, Kayamkulam. Effective surface sterilisation was achieved using 0.1% Bavistin for 30 minutes followed by 0.05% HgCl₂ for 4 minutes, which eliminated contamination while preserving viability. Shoot initiation occurred within 5–8 days, with the highest frequency of multiple shoots observed on MS (Murashige and Skoog) medium supplemented with 3 mg/L BA or 2 mg/L BA + 1 mg/L. Callus induction was most successful from leaf explants cultured on MS + 2 mg/L 2,4-D + 1 mg/L kinetin, forming friable and regenerative calli within 30–35 days. For rooting, IBA at 3 mg/L promoted direct multiple shoot and root formation, while MS + BAP (5.5 mg/L) + NAA (0.2 mg/L) supported both elongation and rooting. Optimal growth was obtained at pH 5.8 and 3% sucrose, which enhanced shoot number and explant vigour. The present study successfully developed an in vitro micropropagation protocol for Bacopa monnieri (L.) Pennell is using nodal and leaf explants. The developed protocol is fast, reliable, and reproducible, providing a basis for large-scale clonal propagation, conservation of germplasm, and potential metabolite enhancement in B. monnieri.

 

Author(s) Details

Jyothilekshmi S

Onattukara Regional Agricultural Research Station, Kayamkulam, Kerala Agricultural University, Kerala, India.

 

Sandra Krishnan
Onattukara Regional Agricultural Research Station, Kayamkulam, Kerala Agricultural University, Kerala, India.

 

Please see the link:- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/mbrao/v6/6606