Callus induction in rhizome of Curcuma caesia: A medicinal plant

Abstract

Kali haldi (Curcuma caesia) is a medicinal plant. The rhizome of the plant traditionally known for treating various diseases such as leukoderma, asthma, tumours, piles, leprosy, epilepsy, cancer by the tribal peoples. The medicinal properties of Kali haldi might be various phytochemical constituents present inside the plant. In present investigation an attempt was taken to induce callus for its in vitro propagation and phytochemical extraction. For inducing callus, MS media supplemented with various combinations and concentrations of 2, 4-D, BAP, IAA and NAA was used. The most suitable media composition on which 90.28% callus generated was MS medium added with CaCl2 and supplemented with 2,4D (1.0/ mglE‰1) and NAA (0.5/mglE‰1) phytohormones.