Plant regeneration via somatic embryogenesis and organogenesis in Verbascum speciosum Schard

Plant regeneration was achieved in Verbascum speciosum Schard. via organogenesis and somatic embryogenesis by culture of mature embryo explants. Two types of calli, embryogenic and non-embryogenic, were induced from mature embryo explants on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with different concentrations of benzyl adenine (BA) and α-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA). In order to further proliferate the somatic embryoids, the yellow and friable embryogenic calli were transferred on MS medium containing 0.5 mg-1 charchol and 0.1 or 1 mg-1 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2,4-D) or into MS medium containing 60 g-1 sucrose, 50 mgl-1 casein hydrolysate (CH), 0.5 mg-1 kinetin (Kin), 5 mg-1 2,4-D and 0.5 mg-1 charchol. Among the 3 tested media, MS medium containing 0.1 mg-1 2,4-D and 0.5 mg-1 charchol was more effective for proliferation of embryonic calli. Somatic embryos were transferred to hormone free MS medium for maturation and shoot regeneration. In addition, shoots and roots regenerated from non-embryogenic calli in hormone free MS medium or containing NAA and BA. Shoot buds were obtained from non-embryogenic calli and they were transferred to MS medium supplemented with 1 mg-1 BA or Kin for further growth and multiplication. Regenerated plants then were potted and maintained in the greenhouse.