Nitrogen source and sucrose concentration in the medium affect Indian ginseng (Withania somniefera) cultures in vitro.

摘要

To establish micropropagation system of Indian ginseng (Withania somnifera) plantlets having anticancer efficacy, differential NH4+:NO3- ratios and sucrose concentrations in MS medium were tested. Plantlet growth was the greatest at a 20:40 (mM) NH4:NO3- ratio, while significantly inhibited when NH4+ was used as a sole nitrogen source. Among the sucrose concentrations, 3% sucrose resulted in the highest shoot and root growth; however, increasing of sucrose concentration up to 7% induced a severe growth retard due to an excessive increase of water potential in the medium. High levels of sucrose in the medium increased leaf stomatal density but decreased stomata size, considered as a compensation activity against stressful environment.