Atropa, a Solanaceae member, contains many active chemical compounds
such as atropine, saponins, polyphenols, scopolamine and hyoscyamine. Because of the
presence of these active principles, endangered species Atropa acuminata and Atropa
belladonna have been indiscriminately exploited in traditional medicine for treating
various disorders and thus Atropa acuminata has become an endangered species in
some regions. Due to the threat of extinction, low seed germination and seedling
survival rate, there is a need for conservation through efficient micropropagation
protocols. In this regard, the current chapter is focused on micropropagation
methods/protocols developed by various researchers using various explants of Atropa
acuminata and Atropa belladonna and their responses to different media compositions
with respect to direct and indirect organogenesis in vitro, as the technique of in vitro
regeneration has played a pivotal role in the mass multiplication of many plant species.
Keywords: Atropa acuminata, Atropa belladonna, Callus, Explants, Micropropagation.
