A calibrated protocol for direct regeneration of multiple shoots from in vitro apical bud of Ocimum basilicum-An Important Aromatic Medicinal Plant

The chief purpose of the present investigation was to develop a repeatable protocol for rapid clonal multiplication using in vitro apical bud of Ocimum basilicum for commercial purpose and mass cultivation of diseases free plants. Plant regeneration from cultured in vitro apical bud explants of Ocimum basilicum was obtained by direct shoot development on Murashige and Skoog’s basal medium supplemented with BAP (8.88 μM) and Kinetin (9.28 μM). MS + BAP (8.88 μM) was found to be the most suitable medium for initiation and multiplication of shoots from apical bud. Regenerated shoots were grown on the same medium for further development, 74 days old culture when sub cultured on the same medium exhibited large number of healthy multiple shoots of 6-8 cms in height .These 15-20 healthy multiple shoots developed roots on the same media thus avoiding an additional step of in vitro rooting. Complete plants thus obtained were transferred to sterilized soil in plastic pots for 4-6 weeks and then to field.