Abstract

Nymphoides krishnakesara Joseph and Sivar. (Menyanthaceae), an endangered aquatic angiosperm, endemic to Kerala, was multiplied and propagated through in vitro culture. It is a rare species with very restricted distribution occurring in a single location. It is an annual herb, grows in shallow temporary pools on laterite. The nodal explants when cultured in Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium attained bud break in 20 days. Maximum multiple shoot proliferation observed in 1.0 mg/L benzyl amino purine (80 shoots/explant). Shoots developed in vitro were rooted in MS medium with both indole 3-butyric acid (IBA) (1.0 mg/L) and naphthalene acetic acid (mg/L). Roots developed in IBA are found to be more favorable based on the histological studies. The rooted plantlets were then transferred to the field after hardening and they flowered after 2 months. Total time taken from explants to flowering is 10 months. This work standardizes an easy protocol for mass production of plantlets, and thus enhances conservation of this endemic and rare aquatic plant. The hardened plants were successfully reintroduced and recorded 100% survival.

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