Abstract:
Gymnema sylvestre (Masbadda) is valuable medicinal plant and a vulnerable species in Sri Lanka. This plant is widely used for its antidiabetic and pharmacological action because it contains “Gymnemic acid”. However, seed germination and vegetative growth are suppressed in its propagation through conventional methods. Therefore, the present study was conducted to establish an efficient in-vitro callus development, and to determine the most suitable 2,4 – D (2,4 – dichlorophenoxyacetic acid) concentration for initiation and callus proliferation. Leaf explants were sterilized using 70% ethanol for 30 sec, then 0.5% NaOCl for 7 min, and 50mg/L stock solution of streptomycin sulphate for 15 min, cultured on MS medium with varied coconut water levels(2.5%,5%,7.5%, and 10% )and 2,4 – D (2.0-2.5mg/L). Reactions for growth in fresh weight, dry weight, callus length, texture, and color variation were recorded after inoculation for five weeks (35 weeks) from inoculation. Data were analyzed for treatment effects using non – parametric tests by using Kruskal – Wallis rank sum test and color variation were recorded after inoculation for 5 weeks, color reduction rate was highly significant, and callus fresh weight, dry weight, callus length and callus texture; all parameters were highly significant (P<0.05). Results revealed that 7.5% coconut water and 2.5mg/L 2,4 – D containing medium produced maximum callus induction frequency with yellowish cream friable callus for leaf explant with high significance. A watery compact callus was obtained with increased concentration of coconut water due to hormonal or osmotic imbalance. It can be emphasized that the synergistic combination of optimized sterilization, 2,4 _ D levels, and intermediate coconut water had significantly enhanced G. sylvestre callus proliferation. This findings provides a foundation for subsequent studies on organogenesis, metabolite yield, and mass propagation of the medicinal crop in Sri Lanka.
