Impact of differential levels of sodium alginate, calcium chloride and basal media on germination frequency of genetically true artificial seeds of Rauvolfia serpentina (L.) Benth. ex Kurz.

What is it about?

The present research work demonstrates the influence of encapsulating agent, matrix and substrate levels on single bead alginate-encapsulation of in vitro shoot tips (STs) of Rauvolfia serpentina (L.) Benth. ex Kurz., their germination and retention of genetic fidelity. Use of 3% (w/v) sodium alginate (SA) with 75 mM calcium chloride (CaCl2·2H2O) (CC) developed isodiametric artificial seeds, encapsulating the STs (3–4 mm long), with 84% germination frequency. Concentrations of SA lower or higher than 3% were unsuitable ensuing artificial seeds either of indefinite shape, too soft to handle with weak gelling ability or darker, too viscous and harder hindering emergence of shoot. An increase in concentrations of CC from 75 mM to 100 mM complexed with 3% SA resulted in declined germination frequency from 84% to 52%. The ameliorated (88%) germination of artificial seeds was achieved on half-strength liquid Murashige and Skoog medium preferred over its other fractions and semisolid state. Randomly amplified polymorphic DNA fingerprinting and inter simple sequence repeats fingerprinting approach, utilized on indiscriminately chosen shootlets from germinated artificial seeds, approved the post-germination genetic constancy within them and with their in vitro source.

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