Micropropagation and in Vitro Flowering in Basella Spp.

Abstract Basella spp. a perennial vine of Basellaceae family used as a leafy vegetable. Phytonutrient of Basella spp. is being exploited in Indian medicinal system since antiquity for its antifungal, anticonvulsant, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, antiulcer and analgesic properties. Propagation of Basella through seeds have limitations for germination and flowering, in vitro regeneration was studied on MS (Murashige& Skoog) media supplemented with various plant growth regulators, indole acetic acid (IAA), Indole butyric acid (IBA), 1-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA), N,6-benzyladenine (BA), kinetin (KIN), zeatin (ZEA), gibberillic acid (GA3), and adenine sulphate (ADS), silver nitrate (AgNO3) as additives. The shoot bud initiation was observed in all the combinations studied showing a good response for direct regeneration. Shooting (84%) was observed in 12 days after inoculation in 1mg l− 1 BA + 0.1 mg l− 1 NAA. Liquid media containing 0.1mg l− 1 BA + 0.5 mg l− 1 KIN + 0.1 mg l− 1 IAA was preeminent in multiple shoots (22 ± 0.13) production with average shoot length (5.81 ± 0.19) in 5 weeks (wk). Supplementation of 40 mg l− 1 AgNO3 and 40 mg l− 1 ADS to media containing 1mg l− 1 BA + 0.1 mg l− 1 NAA resulted in enhanced number of elongated shoots with number of leaves. In vitro flowering was obtained on MS media containing 0.5mg l− 1 BA + 0.5 mg l− 1 GA3 concentrations. The survival rate of hardened plants was 90% after transferring to soil. This protocol can be efficiently used for mass production for regeneration of genetically transformed Basella spp. in studying its metabolite profile specially betalains and transformation of Basella.