Somatic embryogenesis in tissue cultures of <i>Podophyllum hexandrum</i>

Abstract

In vitro multiplication of Podophyllum hexandrum Royle (Podophyllaceae) via somatic embryogenesis is reported. The callus derived from zygotic embryos on Murashige and Skoog medium containing 2 μM BA and 0.5μM IAA differentiated globular embryos. On this medium the globular embryos continued to multiply but failed to mature. Further development of the embryos occurred if the sucrose level in the basal medium was raised to 6% or the medium was supplemented with 1–10 μM NAA. Light and temperatures higher than 25 °C suppressed embryogenesis. Embryogenic potential of the callus has been maintained for over 20 months through subcultures. The somatic embryos developed into plantlets on the basal medium. Key words: endangered species, podophyllotoxin, Podophyllum, somatic embryogenesis.