Germplasm Conservation of Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin Benth.) by Encapsulation of Micropropagated Buds in Calcium Alginate

Encapsulation of in vitro derived nodal segment explants of patchouli (Pogostemon cablin Benth.) was done successfully by using 4 per cent sodium alginate gel for storage and germplasm conservation. Various concentrations of sodium alginate were tried to optimize the strength of the bead, which can give maximum conversion frequency.Various-growth regulators, and natural extracts were tested for their efficiency to regenerate healthy sprouts from encapsulated explants without vitrification. The highest frequency of shoot emergence and maximum number of shoots per bud were recorded on media supplemented with 0.5 mg/1 6- benzylaminopurine (BA). Among the natural extracts tried, 10 per cent coconut water exhibited equally good response with high frequency of shoot multiplication and broader leaves. Regenerated shoots were ischolar_mained on half strength Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium devoid of growth regulators. Plants retrieved from the encapsulated buds were hardened and established in soil. The effect of storage period and temperature on the conversion frequency of encapsulated buds was studied. This technology can be adopted for ex-situ germplasm conservation of high yielding varieties of patchouli.