In Vitro Plantlet Regeneration in Panax sikkimensis

Abstract

A three-step procedure for complete plantlet regeneration via somatic embryogenesis has been developed in Panax sikkimensis. Somatic embryos (SE) were induced in root callus upon lowering the level of 2,4-D from 1.0 mg/l to 0.25 mg/l in the callusing medium. Maturation of SE occurred on a half-strength MS medium with 0.5 mg/l each of BAP and GA₃. An exposure for 15 days of cotyledonary and heart-shaped SE to 1.0 mg/l IBA in liquid shake œ MS medium significantly improved the rate of embryo-to-plantlet conversion and plantlet quality. The procedure has now allowed the retention of high regeneration potential of the root callus for over three years.

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