Tissue culture and plant regeneration of chicory.

[Objective] To establish a high-frequency regeneration system of chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) using leaf segments of aseptic seedlings. [Method] Calluses and adventitious buds of chicory were induced by inoculating explants on MS medium supplemented with 6-BA (6-benayl aminopurine) and NAA (naphthylacetic acid) at different final concentrations. [Result] When lower part of leaves derived from 20-day-old seedlings was used as explant and inoculated on MS medium containing 2.0 mg/L 6-BA, 0.5 mg/L NAA and 40 g/L sucrose, the frequency of adventitious bud formation was 90.0%. When the regenerated shoots were cultured in 1/2 MS medium containing 0.1 mg/L NAA, the frequency of root formation was 88.3%. All rooted plants transplanted in pots could survive and grew well without abnormal shape. [Conclusion] Better differentiation of adventitious buds can be achieved by inoculating the lower part of leaves derived from 20-day-old seedlings on MS medium containing 2.0 mg/L 6-BA, 0.5 mg/L NAA and 40 g/L sucrose. The 1/2 MS medium containing 0.1 mg/L NAA is most suitable for rooting.