Effect of Carbendazim on in vitro conservation and genetic stability assessment in Curcuma longa, L. and Zingiber officinale, Rosc.

Abstract

An efficient in vitro multiplication and conservation protocol for Curcuma longa and Zingiber officinale has been standardized by adding fungicide carbendazim (Bavistin) in multiplication medium. For micropropagation of Curcuma and ginger cultures optimum concentration of carbendazim was tested by adding 25, 50, 75 and 100 mg.L-1 in MS basal and MS hormone medium (supplemented with 2.5 mg.L-1 BAP), 3% (w/v) sucrose and 0.45% (w/v) Clarigar. Enhancement in shoot proliferation from 4.33 to 8.01 shoots per explant in Z. officinale, 3.67 to 6.32 shoots per explant in C. longa with in vitro conservation period from 6 to 12 months was recorded in MS hormone medium supplemented with carbendazim @ 25 mg l-l. Survival of 85% cultures was recorded along with rooting on the same medium. One year old field grown tissue culture derived turmeric plants showed normal vegetative growth and rhizomes formation. After three years of in vitro conservation, agro – morphological and drug yielding potential of curcuma rhizomes was assessed, no significant differences were recorded in all quantitative and qualitative parameters of conserved plants compared with previous observation. No genetic variation was observed among plants conserved on BB25 medium and control as revealed by SRAP (Sequence-Related Amplified Polymorphism) profiles of curcuma and RAPD (Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA) profiles of ginger after three years of in vitro conservation. The protocol is cost-effective for pest free long-term in vitro conservation of curcuma and ginger germplasm.