Abstract

Somoclonal variation studies on Passiflora mollussima (H.B.K.) bailey using phytochemical methods

Author(s): M.Johnson, A.Babu

The present studywas aimed to develop a somoclonal variant for Passiflora mollussima (H.B.K.) Bailey using the inter-nodal segments and leaves as explants. Maximum percentage of callus formation (inter-nodal segments 75.2 ± 0.90 and leaves segments 78.7 ± 0.51) was obtained on Murashige and SkoogÂ’s basal medium supplemented with 3% sucrose and 1.0mg/l of 2, 4-Dichlorophenoxy acetic acid. The callimediated plantlets showed the morphological variation in the leaves texture and size. These morphological variations were confirmed as somoclonal variant through the phytochemical, anti-bacterial and isozyme (peroxidase) analysis. Preliminary phytochemical analysis and extractionwas performed on 4weeks old leaves segments derived calli. The phytochemical study confirmed the presence ofmore alkaloids, saponins, tannins, flavanoids, phenolics etc., fromleaves segments derived calli. Antimicrobial activity of different extracts (benzene, methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, and chloroformand petroleumether) of mother plants and somoclonal variant were investigated by well-diffusion method against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella aerogenes, Aeromonas sps, and Serratia and Escherichia coli. Of these, ethanol extract of leaves segment derived calli showed the maximumsolubility and antimicrobial activitywith theMIC ranged from100 to 250l. Extracts of petroleum ether and isopropanol were ineffective in inhibiting the selected bacteria. The isoperoxidase banding profile showed the different banding profile in inter-nodal and leaves segments derived calli and mother plants. The isozyme banding patterns of the somoclonal variant is used as a molecular marker for the future plant breeding or genetic improvement programme.