MASS PROPAGATION AND GENETIC VARIABILITY OF TWO CARDENOLIDE PLANTS IN VITRO

Asclepias curassavica (Asclepiadaceae) and Thevetia peruviana (Apocynaceae) have been known to contain a few important therapeutic cardiac glycosides besides their ornamental value. In vitro mass propagation of these plants have been successfully established on MS and B5 media with Auxin-Cytokinin combinations. Genetic variability found in callus cultures showed variation in morphogenetic responses of regenerants. Such variations are more likely due to genetic fitness of different aneuploids grown in a particular medium supplemented with suitable hormonal balance. Organ induced chemodifferentiation of cardenolides have also been emphasised.