Differential physiological and biochemical responses under variable culture conditions in micro-propagated Solenostemon scutellarioides: an important ornamental plant

Solenostemon scutellarioides is a commercially important ornamental plant. In present study, it was attempted to establish a protocol for high frequency in vitro regeneration of S. scutellarioides. Caulogenesis was found to be significant in solid MS medium supplemented with 0.5 mg dm(−3) BAP. Combination of GA(3) (0.5 mg dm(−3)) and BAP (0.5 mg dm(−3)) induced high frequency regeneration coupled with higher plant height. The plantlets exposed to IBA (1 mg dm(−3)) exhibited significant root development in terms of first appearance of root and number of roots per shoot. To improve its commercial acceptability in terms of plant architecture and foliage colouration, two weeks old in vitro grown plantlets were exposed to different culture conditions namely MS strength, sucrose concentration, pH and light. A variable plant types with diverse ornamental traits were developed under different culture conditions. [Image: see text] ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: Supplementary material is available for this article at 10.1007/s13659-012-0035-y and is accessible for authorized users.