Effect of magnetic field, culture medium and growth regulators on seed germination of Catharanthus roseus L

Catharanthus roseus L., commonly known as the periwinkle, is one of the most important medicinal plants that included worthwhile alkaloids. The effect of the intensity and duration of magnetic field, medium strength and growth regulators were investigated on percentage of seeds germination. Sterilized seeds were exposed to different intensities of magnetic field (1, 2, 4mT) daily for 15 minutes during a week or a month. Treated seeds were cultured in MS or 1/2 MS media supplemented with different hormone combinations. Results indicated that application of MF for one month period caused the decrease in seed germination. To Investigate the hormone combination effect, the MF treated seeds were cultured in 1/2 MS media supplemented with 2,4-D and kinetine. In the presence of 2,4-D, the percentage of germination, production and growth of callus were increased. In the culture medium containing 2iP or Kinetin, seedling growth was performed without callus formation. Kinetine increased the number of shoots in a seedling without induction of callus production.