Production of Bulbs of Lilium rubellum Baker An Attempt to Improve in Vitro Growth of Bulblets Regenerated from Cultured Bulb Scales

Abstract

A technique for improving in vitro growth of bulblets of Lilium rubellum Baker was developed. When bulb scales were cultured in a modified Murashige and Skoog′s basal medium (3) for 8, 12, 16 and 20 weeks, there were scarcely any differences in the number of bulblets developed, except for those cultured for 20 weeks. At 20 weeks, the number of bulblets per cultured explant was largest and the average weight was heaviest compared to other three durations. Bulblets grew slowly as long as they were cultured on the original explants However, growth of bulblets was improved when they were isolated from the original explants and recultured. A liquid basal medium enhanced growth but the bulblets grown in it were more apt to rot than were those grown on agar when stored at 4°C for 22 weeks or transplanted to soil.