IN VITRO BUD INDUCTION FROM THE NODES OF ASPARAGUS RACEMOSUS WILLD AND THEIR GERMINATION BEHAVIORS

Abstract

Asparagus racemosus Willd. locally known as “Kurilo” or “Shatavari” is one of the most important medicinal plants of Nepal under threat. In order to conserve this species, in vitro bud induction can be one of the promising and rapid methods without any genetic degradation. We observed different kinds of buds in vitro and maximum number was recorded to be 11.666±6.009 when the node explants were cultured on NAA 0.1+ BAP 2.0 mg/l. In general, low concentration of auxin preferably IBA or NAA and relatively higher concentration of cytokinin mainly BAP in combinations were found to be more effective in bud induction. These buds germinated in vitro producing normal roots and shoots.