Abstract
Seed germination potential of W. somnifera is very low under in vitro conditions. During optimization of seed germination conditions, it had been found that half strength Murashige and Skoog’s medium was better than Hoagland’s medium. Similarly, incision in the overnight soaked seeds was observed necessary to improve the germination rate. Culture room conditions of 16 h light and 8 h dark was found beneficial for seed germination. Fresh but dried seeds of the same season when grown on the above optimized conditions, percentage of germination for selected chemotypes i.e. NMITLI-130, NMITLI-101 and NIMITLI-108 were observed as 84.3%, 78.7% and 71%, respectively. Within a chemotype, regenerative potentiality varied among different plant parts. Highest regeneration of shoots was observed in leaf segments as compared to internodes and nodal segments