Direct Multiple Shoot Regeneration from Shoot Tip and Nodal Explants of Ocimum sanctum L. (Tulsi): A Medicinal Herb

In vitro multiple shoot regeneration of Holy basil (Ocimum sanctum L.), an Indian medicinal herb has been accomplished on MS medium utilizing shoot tip and nodal explants. Direct multiple shoots differentiated within 6 weeks when explants were cultured on MS medium containing BAP and Kin individually as well as in combination. Among various concentrations of cytokinin tested, maximum number of multiple shoots was obtained on MS medium supplemented with BAP (1.0mg/l) and Kin (2.0 mg/l) combination from both shoot tip and nodal explants. About 75% of the in vitro regenerated shoots were rooted on MS liquid medium containing NAA (1.0mg/l) within 2-3 weeks of culture and the regenerated plantlets could be successfully established in soil, where they grew normally.