A minimal cost micropropagation protocol for Dianthus caryophyllus L.— a commercially significant venture.

In tissue culture, high production cost of the products restricts their reach. Though tissue culture is a major strength in floriculture it is marred by pricing issues. Hence, we developed a complete regeneration low cost micropropagation protocol for an economically important floriculture crop, carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus L.). Successful regeneration of carnation from nodal explants on cost-efficient medium indicates that psyllium husk, sugar and RO water can effectively replace the conventional medium comprising agar, sucrose and distilled water. The protocol can contribute to increased carnation production at comparatively reduced cost, and there by encourage wide scale adoption by the common growers.

A simple cost effective method for mass propagation of Chrysanthemum morifolium and antibacterial activity assessment of in vitro raised plantlets.

An efficient low cost procedure for in vitro propagation of Chrysanthemum morifolium has been developed with subsequent assessment of antibacterial property of in vitro raised plantlets. Optimal axillary shoot multiplication was achieved on MS medium supplemented with low concentration of BAP. Psyillium husk and market sugar were standardized as suitable alternatives to the conventionally used agar and sucrose, cutting down the production cost of tissue culture raised plantlets to over six times. Optimal in vitro rooting was obtained on half strength MS medium containing IBA. Regenerated plantlets with well developed shoots and roots were acclimatized successfully and transferred to field conditions where they flowered. The leaves of ex vitro growing tissue culture raised plantlets were later assessed for activity against bacterial pathogens. The present protocol ensures minimal cost input in large scale production of a commercially important ornamental plant and opens up scope of scientific interventions directed at its allied therapeutic usage. Abbreviations: MS: Murashige and Skoog (1962); HgCl2 : Mercuric chloride; PGR: Plant growth regulator, TCR: tissue culture raised; BAP: 6, Benzylaminopurine; NAA: α-Naphthalene Acetic Acid; IBA: Indole-3 butyric acid; IAA: Indole-3 acetic acid; min: minutes; ***:significant at 99.9%.