Morphogenesis and Plantlet Regeneration from Leaf Disc Explants of Liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra L.)

A reliable and reproducible protocol has been developed for plant regeneration from 6-8 mm long leaf discs excised from 4 -5 months-old plants of Local cultivar Glycyrrhiza glabra L. The effect of optimum concentrations of different plant growth regulators on callus induction frequency, formation of morphogenic calli leading to plantlet regeneration was investigated. Culture medium B5D.5Kn (B5 + 1.0 mg/l 2,4-D + 0.5 mg/l kinetin) proved well for callus induction. However, nutrient medium B5B.5N (B5 + 1.0 mg/l BAP + 0.5 mg/l NAA) proved superior for morphogenic calli formation and plantlet regeneration. Higher in vitro rooting response (root proliferating efficiency, number of roots and mean root length) was exhibited by culture medium B5.5I (B5 + 0.5 mg/l IBA). The in vitro raised plantlets were acclimatized and established successfully in the field.