Effects of Nitrogen Source and Gellan-gum Concentration in Medium on Plant Regeneration from Somatic Embryos in Cyclamen (Cyclamen persicum Mill.).

Abstract

We investigate the effects of nitrogen source in medium on plant regeneration from somatic embryos in cyclamen (Cyclamen persicum Mill.). Nitrate was essential for germination of somatic embryos, since no germination was observed on the medium without nitrate except for a small quantity of vitamins. Somatic embryos could effectively germinate on half-strength modified MS media containing either 20 mM KNO₃ or 2 mM NH₄Cl + 18 mM KNO₃. The effects of gellan gum concentration on plant regeneration from the somatic embryos were also investigated. The greatest number of plantlets with roots and leaves developed on media containing 1.0% gellan gum. No hyperhydric plants were observed in media containing 1.0 or 2.0% gellan gum, and the percentage of hyperhydric plants was highest in the media containing 0.25% gellan gum.