A Review on In vitro Propagation of Turmeric (Curcuma longa Ln.)

: Turmeric ( Curcuma longa Linn.) is an important medicinal and spice crop which belongs to the family Zingiberaceae. Rhizomes are the commercially valuable part of the plant, commonly used as planting material in conventional propagation. Normally large portion (20-25%) of good quality rhizomes must be allocated as planting materials from the fresh harvest. Higher susceptibility to soil borne diseases is also a problem in using rhizomes as planting materials. Therefore, development of novel propagation techniques is important. The in vitro propagation has been considered as an effective alternative method for rapid regeneration of turmeric. Based on the above facts it is important to review the in-vitro propagation studies conducted in worldwide in order to identify best in-vitro propagation protocol suitable for local condition. In this regard, explant sterilization is a crucial factor; 70% ethanol, Carbendazim (fungicide), mercuric chloride and Clorox (commercial bleach) are mainly used to sterilize sprouting rhizome buds. Hormones such as BAP (6-Benzylaminopurine), BA (Benzyl Adenine), Kn (Kinetin) alone or in combination with NAA (Naphthalene Acetic Acid) or IAA (Indole-3-Acetic Acid) are commonly used in shoot multiplication as they play a vital role in bud production (2.0-4.0 mg/l of BAP were found as best hormone concentrations for shoot initiation). Roots were mainly induced by auxins like IBA (Indole Butyric Acid), IAA and NAA (2.0mg/l IBA). When acclimatization was done properly with Sand: Soil: Peat (1:1:1) combination as the potting media 70-90% of survival rate could be observed from regenerated plantlets.