Influence of IAA on the vincristine content of Catharanthus roseus (L). G. Don.

Catharanthus roseus (L). G. Don is an important anticancerous plant belonging to the family Apocyanaceae. It contains so many alkaloids like vincristine, vinblastine and ajmalcine which are pharmacologically important. This plant may be considered as a famous chemical factory for biosynthesis of a huge array of alkaloids and many of these chemicals are utilized as medicines. The effect of IAA on vincristine content of Catharanthus roseus was studied. IAA was applied as foliar spray at different concentrations viz 50, 100, 150, and 200ppm for 30days. Vincristine was quantified by HPLC method. Vincristine was significantly maximum at 150 and 200ppm concentration of IAA when compared to other concentrations and control. Hence it is concluded that practice of application of IAA to Catharanthus roseus can be recommended for attaining better biomass production and vincristine content.

Author(s): S. Muthulakshmi and V. Pandiyarajan*

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