IN VITRO RESPONSE OF RUELLIA LINEARIBRACTEOLATA TO DIFFERENT GROWTH HORMONES - AN ATTEMPT TO CONSERVE AN ENDANGERED SPECIES

Abstract

Ruellia linearibracteolata Lindau is an endangered taxon in the southern region of Pakistan. Being exposed to harsh environmental conditions and subjected to multiple threats including habitat loss, grazing activities and soil erosion, Hence an urgent conservation strategy is required to avoid its extirpation. In this connection an experiment has been conducted to study its response to different growth hormones. Seeds from the wild were germinated in vitro and then aseptically grown seedlings were used as a source of explant. The efficiency of MS medium was thoroughly examined by augmenting different growth hormones. The cultures maintained in appropriate conditions with subculture after 6-7 months. 1.5 mg/l BAP along with 0.5 mg/l Kin and 0.5 mg/l NAA produced the highest number (5.80) of shoots with 58.0% shoot regeneration frequency. While, IBA (1.0 mg/l) produced maximum number (2.2) of roots along with the highest rooting frequency (95%).