The present investigation outlines the in vitro propagation and conservation of Momordica sahyadrica species. The explants from in vitro grown seedling were cultured on modified MS medium. Shoot differentiation was obtained on MS medium supplemented with BAP. Shoot as well as root differentiation was obtained on medium containing BAP + IBA/NAA. Multiple shoots with roots were formed on MS medium without hormones (MSO). Rooting was induced on shoots in medium containing IBA and 40% of the plants survived successfully when transferred to the field. In vitro grown shoots were conserved under SCC for six months without subculture.

Crop wild relatives are wild species and are currently being eroded or even extinguished through careless human activities. In spite of the introduction of new crops and improved varieties, the role of wild relatives cannot be ignored especially in the forest and rural areas where many people continue to harvest and consume wild gathered foods. Momordica genus has a very rich ethnobotanical history with linguistic, religious, cultural and socioeconomic ramifications across its geographic range, with implications in its sustainable utilization and conservation (Joseph and Antony, 2007a). M. sahyadrica and M. dioica are the other Momordica species of economic importance, mostly wild gathered, but grown to a limited extent in eastern and northeastern parts of India. Experience of germplasm collection of Momordica species across the Western Ghats revealed certain general factors affecting wild species survival. Momordica species were found to be subjected to various types of threats, such as changes in agricultural practices and other factors such as forestry plantations, monoculture practices, continuous weeding preventing reproductive maturity, pressure from introduced plants (smothering by Mekania micrantha, competition from Mimosa incisa, Lantana camera, etc.), and collecting for horticultural purpose, thus leading to critically low population level with subsequent danger of breeding collapse (Joseph and Antony, 2007b). Micropropagation may help overcome these problems to a great extent. In vitro studies in M. sahyadrica wild species are required because of the difficulty of seeds in germinating, long dormancy period, perennating nature of the rhizome, difficulty in getting the planting material and dioecious nature of the species.

Biotechnology Journal, Stress Adaptation of Bacteria, Extremophiles, Bacterial Adaptation, Cytosolic Components, Denature Cellular Proteins, Reactive Oxygen Species, Monounsaturated Fatty Acids, Ultraviolet Radiation, Environmental Stress, Stress Management, Biological Systems, Cellular Economy.