Micropropagation in Moringa oleifera Lam for high-throughput multiplication

Abstract

Moringa oleifera is the most widely cultivated species of the Moringaceae family Attributed to several medicinal uses and a high nutritional value. An efficient in vitro clonal propagation methodology for Moringa oleifera (PKM1 Variety) was developed using nodal explants of young seedlings grown ex vitro. Nodes were cultured in Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium with different combinations of plant growth regulators. Multiple shoots were successfully achieved by culturing nodal explants in a medium containing different concentrations of 6-Benzylaminopurine (BAP) and Kinetin (Kin) in combination with naphthalene acetic acid (NAA). BAP at 2mgL-1was considered optimal for generating a maximum an average of 6.03±0.21 auxillary shoots per explants after 60 days of culture inoculation. A high rate of multiplication has been established by routine subculture on a similar shoot induction medium. Maximum numbers of individual roots were established on a medium containing indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) at 1.5mgL-1. Primary hardening was done in pots containing the potting mixture and transferred plantlets were covered with clear polythene bags. Seventy per-cent of the rooted plants survived and secondary hardening was carried out after 15 days in a shaded greenhouse.

Keywords

• moringa oleifera
• micropropagation
• benzylaminopurine
• naphthalene acetic acid
• kinetin