In vitro propagation and low temperature storage ofSaussurea lappa C.B. Clarke - An endangered, medicinal plant.

A procedure forin vitro multiplication ofSaussurea lappa (Asteraceae) is described. On Murashige and Skoog's medium (MS) containing benzylaminopurine and gibberellin 3.5-fold shoot multiplication occurred every three weeks. Shoots rooted on MS containing 0.5 μM naphthaleneacetic acid with 90% efficiency. The shoot cultures stored at 5°C in the dark for 12 months without an intervening subculture survived with 100% viability. The shoots cold stored for 6 months or more showed higher rates of multiplication under culture room conditions than the untreated shoots.