High frequency of multiple shoot induction in Datura metel L. using different concentrations of bap

Nodal explants were inoculated with basal cut surface down on medium MSB with BAP. The different concentrations BAP ranging from 0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2 mg/lit, were used for obtaining multiple shoots. After 45 days maximum number of multiple shoots were obtained on medium containing 2.0mg/ lit of BAP which was approximately 88 / culture. In the present study 2.0mg/ lit of BAP concentration was found to be the ideal concentration for high frequency of multiple shoots induction. This is the first report of such high frequency of multiple shoot induction. Maximum hyoscyamine 0.0390 mg/g DW and scopolamine 1.660 mg/g DW content was found at 2 mg/lit BAP. Minimum hyoscyamine and scopolamine content was found at 1 mg/lit BAP (0.0164 and 1.154 mg/g DW respectively). We found that difference in content of hyoscyamine and scopolamine was also affected by concentration of BAP i.e. increased concentration of BAP and increased number of multiple shoots showed correlation with increased concentration of hyoscyamine and scopolamine.