COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF In vitro REGENERATION POTENTIAL OF COTYLEDONS OF Withania somnifera AND Withania coagulans

Withania somnifera and Withania coagulans are two important medicinal plants utilized for several medicinal purposes since ages. Overutilization and inadequate cultivation have made both the plants endangered. Development of protocols for rapid propagation and conservation are hereby required. The present study provides an efficient method for mass propagation of W. somnifera and W. coagulans through in vitro culture of cotyledons. Development of callus was achieved from cotyledons of both the plants onto 2,4-D or NAA supplemented medium. Regeneration of shoot buds was achieved from callus onto BAP or TDZ supplemented medium. W. coagulans however exhibited better in vitro regeneration potential as compared to W. somnifera. Regenerated shoots of both the plants developed in vitro roots onto IAA supplemented medium. About 68.4% regenerated plants of W. somnifera and about 76.4% plants of W. coagulans survived during transplantation.