Optimizing micro propagation systems for productive in-vitro regeneration of the medicinal plant Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera L.)

Ashwagandha, scientifically referred to as Withania somnifera L. is one of the most economically significant medicinal plants in India. Its adaptogenic, immunomodulatory, and medicinal properties are utilized extensively in Ayurveda and the world's herbal industries. Micro-propagation provides a workable alternative for the large-scale production of genetically homogeneous and disease-free planting materials due to the increasing demand and the drawbacks of traditional seed-based propagation, such as poor germination, genetic variability, and disease susceptibility. Using leaf and petiole explants grown on Murashige and Skoog (MS) media supplemented with different quantities of cytokinins (BAP, Kinetin) and the auxin Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), this study sought to optimize micro-propagation methods. In accordance with the results, TP9 caused the maximum shoot induction in petiole explants (4.10 shoots), while TL9 treatment (2.0 mg/L Kn + 0.2 mg/L IAA) produced the highest shoot regeneration (4.20 shoots per leaf explant). On MS media supplemented with 0.20 mg/L IAA, root induction was optimized. In order to create an effective micro-propagation system for Withania somnifera L., the study emphasizes the importance of exact growth regulator balance, explant type, and aseptic culture conditions. This valuable medicinal species' commercial cultivation, conservation, and mass propagation are all made possible by the improved method being used.