PROLIFERATION, SHOOT ORGANOGENESIS AND SOMATIC EMBRYOGENESIS IN EMBRYOGENIC CALLUS OF CARNATION

The influence of 2,4-D, picloram and NAA on proliferation of embryogenic callus of two cultivars of carnation ('Impulse' and 'Sagres') was evaluated. Proliferations of embryogenic calli were observed on MS basal medium containing different concentrations of picloram (0.8, 2, 4, 8, 16 and 24 μM). Maximum of proliferation of calli was obtained with 8 and 16 μM picloram. Organogenesis was achieved following transfer of primary callus to MS basal media containing TDZ, BA and kinetin. Maximum organogenesis was obtained with 4.5 and 9 μM TDZ. Transfer of proliferated calli to growth regulator-free MS medium supplemented with 0.08, 0.16, 0.32, 0.49 and 0.65 M sorbitol resulted in successful somatic embryogenesis and maximum embryogenesis was obtained with 0.49 and 0.65 M sorbitol. Cotyledonary somatic embryos and regenerated shoots were converted into plantlets. Plantlets continued to grow under greenhouse condition.