In vitro micropropagation of solanum villosum-a potential alternative food plant

Solanum villosum Miller is annual to biennial herb which is used as potherb as well as fodder/forage that limits its distribution in Pakistan. The aim of this study was to develop a suitable protocol for S. villosum through direct organogenesis. Leaf, stem node and shoot tip explants from the tested plant were inoculated in three different hormonal combinations of BAP (6-benzyl amino purine) alone along NAA (alpha-naphthalene acetic acid) and Kin (Kinetin). Maximum shoot induction was recorded for stem node and leaf (91% each) in MS medium comprising of BAP (1.9 mg/l) and NAA (0.1 mg/l), while shoot tip showed somewhat moderate (81%) response. The highest mean number of shoot (9.1 ± 2 was also obtained for the same medium using leaf explants. Plantlets were successfully rooted in auxin free medium and shifted to green house for multiplication after acclimatizing them. This study may contribute in providing quick and disease free propagation of this neutraceutically and economically potential plant. (author)