In vitro bulblet regeneration from immature embryos of endangered and endemic Muscari azureum

Abstract

A high frequency of bulblet regeneration was achieved for the endemic and endangered ornamental plant Muscari azureum using immature embryos. Immature embryos of M. azureum were cultured on a callus induction medium consisting of N6 mineral salts and vitamins, 400 gL-1 casein + 40 gL-1 sucrose + 2 mgL-1 L-proline, 2 mgL-1 2,4-D and 2 gL-1 Gelrite. Then the embryogenic callus clusters were transferred to a bulblet induction medium consisting of MS mineral salts and vitamins containing different concentrations and combinations of BAP, KIN, TDZ, Zeatin, IAA, NAA, 30 gL-1 sucrose and 7 gL-1 agar. Prolific bulblet multiplication (over 13 bulblets/embryo) was achieved from immature embryos after 5-6 months of culture initiation. Well-developed bulblets were excised and individually rooted on 1/2 strength MS medium supplemented with 1 mgL-1 IBA, 0.5 gL-1activated charcoal, 20 gL-1sucrose and 6 gL-1agar and acclimatized.