An improved Agrobacterium rhizogenes-mediated genetic transformation of Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal was developed using the bacterial strain R1000 with leaf segment explants of in vitro raised plantlets. Out of the three strains used (R1000, MTCC 2364 and MTCC 532), the strain R1000 proved to be more efficient than others. Among the different conditions tested, the highest (93.3 %) transformation rate was observed after 3 weeks when the explants were subjected to sonication (15 s) and heat treatment (41 °C for 5 min). Transgenic status of the hairy roots was confirmed by PCR using rol B-specific primers. HPLC analysis showed the ability of hairy roots to synthesize withaferin A and withanolide A, both steroidal lactones of medicinal value. This protocol offers new avenue in A. rhizogenes-mediated hairy root induction and is useful for large-scale production of these bioactive compounds from W. somnifera.

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Ginger is an important monocotyledonous plant belonging to the family Zingiberaceae. The objective of this study was to investigate the regeneration potential of ginger using leaf base explants. Auxins such as 2, 4-D and NAA in combination with BA were used for initiation of callus. Different combinations of both ammonium (NH 4+) and nitrate (NO 3-) were also studied for efficient callus production. High frequency of white friable calli was observed on modified Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 2.0 mg/L 2, 4-D, 0.5 mg/L NAA and 0.5 mg/L BA. The highest shoot induction (92.33%), shootlets number (7.33± 0.33) and length (88.33±4.40) mm were achieved on MS media containing 0.5 mg/L BA. Regenerated shoots were transferred to in vitro rooting media containing 1.0 mg/L IBA. Afterwards, plantlets with well-developed root and shoot system were subjected to a twostep hardening process. 71% of plantlets survived after secondary hardening without any abnormal morphology.