In this study, a protocol for hairy root production for bioactive compound enhancement of Lawsonia inermis through intervention of Agrobacterium rhizogenes was attempted. Two types of explants, leaf (both in vivo and in vitro) and internode (both in vivo and in vitro) were taken for hairy root transformation by two Agrobacterium rhizogenes strains (MTCC 532 and MTCC 2364). Among leaf and internode, better transformation observed in leaf than internode where as in vitro leaf was found most suitable explant for optimum transformation than in vivo leaf explant. Better transformation was achieved by MTCC 2364 than MTCC 532 in all leaf and internodal explants. Highest 83.3% hairy root induction was noticed in in-vitro leaves infected by MTCC 2364 for 40 minutes infection time with an O.D. value 0.6 and co-cultivation time 24-26 hours. Root emergence in in vitro leaf started within 15-17 days and highest c.a.9.2 roots were observed. The in vivo leaf was found to develop hairy roots within 20-23 days from the day of infection with 73.3% transformation efficiency infected by MTCC 2364 and developed c.a 8.4 roots.

Keywords:Agrobacterium rhizogenes strains (MTCC 532 and MTCC2364); In vivo leaf and internode; In vitro leaf and internode; Secondary metabolites