Effect of Growth Regulators on Calotropis Gigantea (Linn.) Aiton F. Callus Formation and Its Phytochemical Content

Crown flower (Calotropis gigantea (Linn.) Aiton f.) is a weed that has potential as a source of medical materials. In vitro culture through callus induction can be an alternative method for rapid multiplication and producing phytochemical compounds in a shorter time. The great potential of crown flower plants is still unutilized optimally in Indonesia. The research aimed to determine the effect of various concentrations of plant growth regulators on callus formation and the phytochemical contents of crown flower. Young stem explants of crown flower were cultured on Murashige and Skoog (1962) medium supplemented with 6-benzyl amino purine and 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid. The research used a completely randomized design and callus formation time, fresh callus weight, callus morphology, flavonoids, and phytochemical contents were observed. The data were analyed using ANOVA and DMRT with a 5% level test. Treatments with 0.5 mg/L BAP and 0.5 mg/L 2,4-D could induce faster and bigger calli than other treatments with 5.82 g callus weight, yellowish-green colour, and compact texture. The addition of BAP and 2,4-D into the culture medium was able to produce different compounds compared to the field grown plants. Based on the results, PGR’s combination are required for callus formation and the production of different phytochemical compounds. Therefore, crown flower can be more effectively utilized as a medicinal or industrial plant.