In vitro Conservation Strategies for the Propagation of Alpinia calcarata Roscoe (Zingiberaceae) – A Valuable Medicinal Plant

Objective: To develop an efficient protocol for the in vitro conservation of Alpinia calcarata
Methods: Actively growing axillary shoot buds derived from the rhizomes (1-1.5 cm length) was used for the in vitro studies. The surface disinfestations of explants were accomplished by dipping rhizomes in 2% mercuric chloride for 3min., 70% ethanol for 2 minutes and 30% NaOCl for 15min and distilled water. After proper sterilization, the culturing were done under laminar air flow chamber and Cultures were maintained at 25 ± 2°C under 16/8 h photoperiod.
Results: The results indicated that MS medium supplemented with BA and KN was the best medium for shoot regeneration. The multiple shoots were cultured from rhizome bud explants of Alpinia calcarata on MS solid medium supplemented with BAP 2.5 mg / L-1 and 2.5mg/L-1 of kinetin. Maximum rooting was obtained in ½ MS medium supplemented with IAA (2mg/l-1) and NAA (2mg/l-1).
Conclusion: The in vitro derived plants were morphologically identical to the mother plant. So, this protocol proves its utility for rapid propagation of Alpinia calcarata which can be exploited for pharmaceutical and commercial purposes.

Author(s): Silvy Mathew, S. John Britto and Sinjumol Thomas

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