Micropropagation of Asparagus densiflorus via axillary shoots, indirect organogenesis and somatic embryogenesis

Abstract

The present study has described a simple protocol for efficient plant regeneration of Asparagus densiflorus 'Sprengeri' and 'Myriocladus' using single-node spear explants, and indirect organogenesis via callogenesis induced on internode explants. The results showed that the genotypes 'Sprengeri' and 'Myriocladus' regenerated to complete plants via nodal cultures and callus tissue, but the plant regeneration response was higher in secondary explants on MS medium with NAA + kinetin (1+1 mg dm-3) after transfer onto a multiplication medium with IAA+BAP (1+4 mg dm-3), and then onto a rooting medium supplemented with IBA (10 mg dm-3) or NAA + kinetin (1+1 mg dm-3). Primary explants of both cultivars showed high regenerative potential (via the callus stage) on MS medium with IAA+BAP. The cultivar Sprengeri also regenerated via somatic embryogenesis. Both kinds of 'Meyeri' explants have a morphogenetic potential for the formation of shoots, which, however, were not capable of rooting. This confirms that the explant, genotype and culture medium are determining factors in the in vitro plant regeneration system.