Sodium nitroprusside enhances callus induction and shoot regeneration in high value medicinal plant Canscora diffusa

The present investigation was carried out to demonstrate the plant morphogenetic potential of sodium nitroprusside (SNP) in a commercially important medicinal plant Canscora diffusa. Leaf and nodal explants were used and highest callusing frequency (97.18%) was recorded for leaf explants supplemented with 1.0 mg/L NAA +2.0 mg/L 2ip + 15 mu M SNP. SNP enhanced multiple shoot formation in both nodal and leaf explants derived callus considerably in the media supplemented with 1.0 mg/L NAA + 15 mu M SNP and 0.5 mg/L BAP + 15 mu M SNP (98.32 and 96.12%) respectively. The root induction also drastically increased with the supplementation of SNP (10 mu M) in combination with 1.0 mg/L IBA. Our results proved that SNP with other growth hormones acts synergistically to enhance the in vitro responses including the callus, shoot, and root induction. This optimized tissue culture system will be very useful for the mass propagation of C. diffusa for both commercial and conservation aspects. Key message First report using sodium nitroprusside to enhance in vitro propogation of Canscora diffusa presented. Synergestic action of various growth regulators on SNP supplementation reported. Leaf and nodal segments used as explants produced better callusing and higher shoot formation with SNP treatments.