Nuclear Changes and Organogenesis during Callus Culture of Urginea indica Kunth., Indian Squill

Abstract

Cytological analyses were carried out to follow the nuclear events occurring during growth and differentiation of calli derived from bulb scale explants of diploid Indian squill, Urginea indica Kunth. Although bulb scale explants had a negligible level of DNA variation, the dedifferentiating calli exhibited a large variation. The meristemoids consisted of predominantly diploid cells whereas dedifferentiating calli were highly polyploid. Regeneration occurred in 8-10 week old calli but not in older cultures. Fragmentation amitosis, multiplolarity, binucleate cells etc. were characteristic of older cultures but were not noted during induction of calli despite 2, 4-D being used for establishing cultures. Regenerated plants were predominantly diploid.