The effect of auxin type, explant orientation and light condition on induction of callus and the ‎formation of hairy roots on leaf explants of medicinal plant Bitter melon(Momordica charantia)

Karela (Momordica charantia), is one of the most commonly used vegetable that contains ‎polypeptide-p and is used to control diabetes naturally. Polypeptide-p or p-insulin is an ‎insulin-like hypoglycemic protein, shown to lower blood glucose levels in gerbils, langurs and ‎humans when injected subcutaneously. Momordica Anti-HIV Protein (MAP30), alpha- and ‎beta-momorcharins inhibit HIV replication in acutely and chronically infected cells and thus ‎are considered potential therapeutic agent in HIV infection and AIDS. Related to these ‎valuable properties, the present study outlines the in vitro callus induction of Momordica ‎charantia which be fundamental for various purposes such as indirect regeneration, ‎suspension culture or hairy root culture systems. The effects of the orientation of leaf ‎explant, type of auxins and light conditions were evaluated on percentages of callus induction ‎on MS basal medium. Results showed that the best callus induction (95.40%) was achieved ‎when the leaf segments were culture up side on MS medium supplemented by 2 mg/l 2, 4-D ‎and kept in dark condition for 1 week. ‎