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Influence of gelling agent on micropropagation cost and in vitro conservation of Turmeric (Curcuma longa) germplasm

This study was designed to examine the effect of different gelling agents on shoot multiplication and low cost in vitro conservation of Curcuma. Shoot bud explants of C. longa cv. Sona were cultured on modified Murashige and Skoog (MS) media supplemented with 2.5 mg l−1 BAP + 3% sucrose. Six gelling agents viz. 7 g l−1 Agar (Himedia PT Pure), 2.5g l−1 Clarigel (Himedia), 4.5 g l−1 Clarigar (Himedia), 6 g l−1 Gelzen (Sigma), Isabgol 3.5 g l−1 (Baidyanath) and 2.5 g l−1 Phytagel (Sigma) were used to study their effect on micro propagation and cost effective in vitro conservation. Highest rate of shoot multiplication was recorded with 2.88± 0.03 shoots/ explant in the media solidified with clarigar compared to regularly used gelling agent agar (2.31± 0.38). After 12 months of conservation, highest 85% survival of cultures was also recorded in the medium solidified with Clarigar, whereas only 50% of cultures survived on agar supplemented media. Regenerated plantlets were acclimatized successfully and produced healthy rhizomes using soil: sand: Farm Yard manure 2:1:1 with 95% survival.