Abstract
Using clonal in vitro propagated plantlets of Curcuma longa, the effects of light and cytokinin on micropropagation and microrhizome formation were investigated. The results showed the promotive effects of low light intensity for micropropagation and of short day condition for well-developed microrhizome induction. In the tissue of well-developed microrhizomes, differentiation of yellowish-pigmented cells similar to the secretory cells of rhizome of the mother plant was observed. Staining of the cells with nile red suggested the accumulation of essential oil. Rapidly growing callus was isolated from the root tip of micropropagated plantlets which retained totipotency during subculture. High concentration of kinetin induced microrhizome formation in this callus. Yellow pigmented cells were also observed in the tissue of microrhizome, although far less frequency.
