Abstracto

Somatic embryogenesis and regeneration in Chrysanthemum

Thenmozhi Mani, Kalaiselvi Senthil

In genetic improvement schemes, multiplication of elite materials by somatic embryogenesis prevents genetic recombination and the need for long, expensive conventional selection cycles. The objective of the present work was to standardize a protocol for somatic embryogenesis in Chrysanthemum through suspension culture. Callus induction from leaf explant in MS medium containing 1.5 mg/L 2,4-D was found to be 100% followed byMS media supplemented with 2.0 mg/L 2,4-D (81%). Callus induction frompetal explant inMSmediumcontaining 2.0mg/L 2,4-D was found to be 100%followed byMSmedia supplemented with 1.5mg/L 2,4- D (80%). The best friable calliwere transferred toMSmedia supplemented with 1.0 mg/L BAP for shoot induction. Somatic embryos were obtained when these green calli were subjected to suspension culture in MS media supplemented with 1.0 mg/L BAP. All calli in suspension gave rise to somatic embryos, which were regenerated in MS media supplemented with various concentration of BAP. MS media supplemented with 2.0 mg/L BAP gave the highest number of plantlets (46.3%). The regenerated plantlets were elongated onMS media supplemented with 0.1 mg/L BAP + 2.0 mg/LKINand rooted onMS basalmedium(MS0). Thismethod of somatic embryogenesis could be used as an explant material for transformation studies. Different stages of Chrysanthemum were analyzed by HPLC.