Effect of BA and NAA on callus induction of star grass (Hypoxis aurea Lour.)

Abstract

Star grass (Hypoxis aurea Lour.) is a medicinal plant used for treating acne, sores, and dark spots. Its bioactive compounds were extracted for using as an ingredient in cosmetic products. This study aims to compare the effect of different BA and NAA concentrations on callus induction of the star grass. The corm explants were cultured on MS medium supplemented with 3.0 and 5.0 mg/l BA and different NAA concentration of 0, 0.1, 0.3 and 0.5 mg/l, respectively. The results showed that the treatment of 3.0 and 5.0 mg/l BA without NAA or 0.1 mg/l NAA induced the most callus formation (93.20%). Moreover, the concentration of BA of 3.0 mg/l alone can significantly affect the callus size (2.39 cm.), callus fresh weight and dry weight of 9.23 g and 0.8 g, respectively. These findings reveal the possibility of callus production in a laboratory scale. It can be used as a method for extracting the bioactive compounds from callus of the star grass that utilized in the cosmetic industries.