An efficient low cost procedure for in vitro propagation of Chrysanthemum morifolium has been developed with subsequent assessment of antibacterial property of in vitro raised plantlets. Optimal axillary shoot multiplication was achieved on MS medium supplemented with low concentration of BAP. Psyillium husk and market sugar were standardized as suitable alternatives to the conventionally used agar and sucrose, cutting down the production cost of tissue culture raised plantlets to over six times. Optimal in vitro rooting was obtained on half strength MS medium containing IBA. Regenerated plantlets with well developed shoots and roots were acclimatized successfully and transferred to field conditions where they flowered. The leaves of ex vitro growing tissue culture raised plantlets were later assessed for activity against bacterial pathogens. The present protocol ensures minimal cost input in large scale production of a commercially important ornamental plant and opens up scope of scientific interventions directed at its allied therapeutic usage.
Key words: Chrysanthemum morifolium, in vitro axillary shoots, cost effective, clonal multiplication, antibacterial activity
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