Iram Bashir et al. A rapid in vitro propagation protocol of Bunium persicum (Boiss.)B.Fedtsch. growing in Kashmir, Himalaya, Species, 2015, 12(34), 67-72, www.discovery.org.in http://www.discovery.org.in/s.htm © 2015 Discovery Publication. All Rights Reserved Page67 A rapid in vitro propagation protocol of Bunium persicum (Boiss.)B.Fedtsch. growing in Kashmir, Himalaya Iram Bashir 1҉ , Zahoor A Kaloo 2 , Seema Singh 3 , Sabreena Rashid 4 1. Research scholar, Plant Tissue Culture Research Laboratory, Department of Botany, University of Kashmir, Hazratbal Srinagar-190006, J&K, India 2. Associate Professor, Department of Botany, University of Kashmir, Hazratbal Srinagar-19006, J&K, India 3. Sr. Assistant Professor, Department of Botany, University of Kashmir, Hazratbal Srinagar-19006, J&K, India 4. Research scholar, Plant Tissue Culture Research Laboratory, Department of Botany, University of Kashmir, Hazratbal Srinagar-190006, J&K, India ҉ Corresponding author: Research scholar, Plant Tissue Culture Research Laboratory, Department of Botany, University of Kashmir, Hazratbal Srinagar-190006, J&K, India; E-mail: mir.irambashir@gmail.com Publication History Received: 14 November 2014 Accepted: 28 December 2014 Published: 21 January 2015 Citation Iram Bashir, Zahoor A Kaloo, Seema Singh, Sabreena Rashid. A rapid in vitro propagation protocol of Bunium persicum (Boiss.)B.Fedtsch. growing in Kashmir, Himalaya. Species, 2015, 12(34), 67-72 ABSTRACT During the present study an efficient in vitro propagation protocol has been developed viz; callus induction, multiple shoot regeneration and rooting of regenerated shoots from hypocotyl explants. Maximum callus production was obtained on MS medium fortified with BAP (2mg/l) after 24 days of inoculation. Multiple shoot regeneration was achieved without sub-culturing of the callus as well as after sub-culturing it on MS medium supplemented with different growth regulators. Maximum shoot regeneration (70%) was achieved without sub-culturing of callus on MS medium augmented with BAP (2mg/ l) + NAA (1mg/l) within 18 days. Rooting of regenerated shoots was best achieved on half salt strength MS medium fortified with IBA (1.5mg/ l) within 45 days. Keywords: Bunium persicum, hypocotyl , Callus, multiple shoot regeneration, rooting Abbreviations: BAP; 6-benzyl amino purine, o C; Degree centigrade, 2,4-D; 2,4 Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, IAA; Indole 3-acetic acid, IBA; Indole 3-Butyric acid, masl; Meters above sea level, NAA; 1. INTRODUCTION Bunium persicum commonly known as “Kala Zira” or “Black cumin” belongs to the family apiaceae. The genus Bunium consists of about 166 species (Vasilava et al., 1985). B. persicum is a native of west Asia and has a limited distribution. The plant is distributed in the mountainous regions of Iran, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan and India (Jahansooz et al ., 2012). Species RESEARCH International Journal for Species ISSN 2319 – 5746 EISSN 2319 – 5754