Callus cultures from stem explants of six Lathyrus sativus L. cultivars were tested for their morphogenic capacity. Shoot-buds were formed in calli of only one cultivar. Maximum response was observed in the medium containing 10-SM picloram and 10-aM benzylaminopurin. Supplementation with adenine sulphate was required for shoot-bud formation. The greatest frequency of shoot-bud formation was detected at the second passage and complete lack of regeneration capacity was observed after the 8th passage. Cell regenerates were diploid.lntrodution Lathyrus sativus is a tropical seed legume crop which perform well in adverse agricultural conditions. The crop is widely grown in India despite the fact that the seeds contain neurotoxic substances known as 'Lathyrogens'. It might be possible to select toxin-free strains from mutagenized tissue cultures. Before such a programme can be initiated, totipotent tissue culture system must be available. However, legume tissue cultures were generally recalcitrant in regard to morphogenic capacity [7]. We therefore, initiated research to define the conditions required for high frequency plant regeneration from cultured tissues and protoplasts of L. sativus. In the present paper we report the regeneration of plants via organogenesis in stem-derived callus of L. sativus. It is also shown that regenerating ability is genotype dependent. /3-diaminopropionic acid) at levels (mg/100g seeds) of 245,426, 328,254, 423 and 295, respectively [12], were used in this study. All the cultivars contain 2n = 14 chromosomes in somatic cell.Seeds were surface sterilized in 0.02% mercuric chloride for 5 min and 67 Plant Cell Tissue Organ Culture 2: 67-76 (1983).

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Aim: Manjishtha-Rubia cordifolia L. (family: Rubiaceae) is an important medicinal plant and used in various Ayurvedic formulations. Plant parts like roots, stems, leaves and fruits are being used to treat various respiratory and skin diseases. Manjistha is excessively collected from natural habitat and becoming rare and vulnerable in different parts of country. Therefore, it is decided to develop a systematic in vitro protocol for rapid multiplication of the plant. Materials and methods: Nodal segments collected from healthy, desease free plant were used as explants. Pretreated and surface sterilized nodal segments were implanted on to MS basal medium as well as MS fortified with different concentrations of plant growth regulators viz., BAP, TDZ, Kn, NAA, IAA, IBA singly or in combinations. Then, the cultures were incubated at 22°C ± 2°C for 8 hours photoperiod with light intensity of 3000 lux. Results: Maximum number of shoots (20-25) developed from the nodal segments inoculated on MS + TDZ (0.5 mg/l) + 0.1% PVP liquid medium. The best rooting (2-3 roots) were developed in MS + IBA (2 mg/l) in 8 to 14 days. Conclusion: The in vitro protocol developed would be beneficial to multiply the plants of R. cordifolia on large scale within the short period with low cost and to conserve the plant.

Aim: To develop in vitro propagation protocol of a rare, vulnerable and endangered important medicinal plant Operculina turpethum (L.) Silva Manso (Trivrit) through organogenesis. Materials and methods: Seeds collected from Institute's garden were pretreated and inoculated on Murashige and Skoog (MS)medium. Cotyledon, axillary bud and nodal segments of in vitro grown plants were used as explants. Explants were cultured on half MS, MS, whites plain medium and MS supplemented with different concentrations and combinations of plant growth regulators viz., BAP, AS, Kn, NAA, IAA, IBA. Cultures were incubated at 22 o C + 2 o C and 8 hours photoperiod with light intensity of 3000 lux. Observations were recorded at an interval of 15 to 25 days. Result:The average maximum number of shoots 19.72 + 0.240 achieved on MS supplemented with BAP (3 mg/L). 100% root induction was obtained on half MS, MS, Whites medium alone and the combination of MS with 1 to 4 mg/L concentrations of NAA, IBA, IAA. In vitro developed plantlets were transferred in the pots; which were easily acclimatized and established in the soil. Conclusion:The developed micropropagation protocol is beneficial for the rapid proliferation of shoots and root. The protocol would be helpful for mass multiplication as well as to conserve the rare and endangered plant of Trivrit.