Viola patrinii DC. (Violaceae) petiole explants were used for inducing calli. Signifi cant callus proliferation was observed on MS medium supplemented with 16.12 μM NAA and 13.33 μM BA. Shoot regeneration was achieved upon transferring the green friable calli to MS medium with a 2-fold dilution of potassium dihydrogen phosphate supplemented with 23.25 μM Kn and 2.68 μM NAA. Maximum shoot regeneration was achieved in 4 weeks. Multiple shoots were separated and further cultured in half-strength

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... medium supplemented with 9.85 μM IBA with 2% sucrose. Profuse root development was observed aft er 20-25 days of culturing. Regenerated plants were successfully transferred to soil, showing an 85% survival rate. Th e genetic fi delity of the micropropagated plants was analysed using random amplifi ed polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers. Th e RAPD profi le of the regenerated plants showed similar banding patterns to that of the mother plant thus demonstrating the homogeneity of the micropropagated plants. Th is protocol could be successfully used for the mass multiplication and germplasm conservation of this medicinal plant.