Induction of Embryogenic Callus and Plant Regeneration in Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus L.)

In this study, efficient plant regeneration through somatic embryogenesis is achieved in four cultivars of carnation (Nelson, Sagres, Spirit and Impulse). Embryogenic calli were induced on petal explants only, all the calli established on leaf, sepal, receptacle and style explants were not embryogenic. Embryogenic calli were obtained on Morashige and Skoog basal medium (1962) containing sucrose 9%, 2.0 mg L^-1 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2,4-D), 0.2 mg L^-1 6- benzyladenine (BA). After transfer of embryogenic calli to growth regulator free MS medium or medium containing low amount of 2, 4-D (0.2-0.4 mm L^-1) resulted in successful somatic embryogenesis. A high frequency (80-85%) of Somatic embryo germination and development into normal plantlets was observed on half-strength MS medium supplement with 3% sucrose without growth regulator. About 95% of somatic embryo-derived plantlets were acclimatized in the greenhouse conditions.