In Vitro Mass Propagation System of Lilium × formolongi hort

Abstract

To establish the mass propagation of Lilium × formolongi hort. small bulbs by in vitro tank culture, culture conditions affecting multi-bulblets induction were studied from the perspective of scale and subsequent growth of the newly produced bulblets. More than 5 bulblets per scale were induced in a month by culture in MS medium with 5 mg·liter⁻¹ kinetin and 3% sucrose. Then, the induced bulblets with scales were transferred to medium with modified MS containing 3% sucrose, showing good growth sufficient for potting of bulbs in two months. Estimating from the theoretical scheme in which 4,500 bulbs were produced by in vitro tank culture per year, it was shown that potted plant production of lilies using the present culture conditions were feasible for small-scale production.