GENETIC FIDELITY OF IN VITRO RAISED PLANTS OF GLORIOSA SUPERBAL

Gloriosa superba L. is an important medicinal plant species belonging to the family Colchicaceae. It is a perennial tuberous climbing herb having an attractive wavy-edged orange-red flower. The conventional method of propagation of this plant is through tubers which is slow and remains dormant underground during dry months (September- March). Its production is seasonal having susceptibility toward many pests. The poor propagation coupled with over-exploitation by the local population as well as pharmaceutical companies are the main factors responsible for its diminishing population size. So, it has been affirmed as an endangered plant by the IUCN Red Data Book. Hence, there is an urgent need to conserve this plant. Therefore, micropropagation is an alternate and effective method to overcome all the problems. It is believed, that the findings of such studies would help develop suitable protocols for conservation and its sustainable use.