In Vitro Regeneration and Mass Propagation of Ruta graveolens L.—A Multipurpose Shrub

Abstract

A protocol for rapid in vitro propagation of Ruta graveolens L. through high-frequency shoot induction from nodal explants was established. Proliferation of shoots from nodal segments was achieved on Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with various concentrations of BA, Kin, IAA, and NAA, either singly or in various combinations. The highest shoot regeneration frequency (98.5%) and the highest number of shoots per explant (40.2 ± 2.8) was obtained on MS medium supplemented with 10 μm BA and 2.5 μm NAA. In vitro regenerated shoots rooted best on half-strength MS medium containing 0.5 μm IBA. Rooted shoots, following acclimatization in the greenhouse, were successfully transferred to field conditions, and 90% of plants survived. The efficient in vitro regeneration of the whole plant can be used as a fast and reliable method to transform R. graveolens genetically for its active principles.