Formation of plantlets through somatic embryogeny in the Himalayan blue poppy, Meconopsis simplicifolia (Papaveraceae)

Abstract

Exuberant and subculturable calli could be induced from only hypocotyl and leaf segments of ca 4-month-old seedlings of Meconopsis simplicifolia cultured on Murashige & Skoog's medium supplemented with 10_-6M kinetin + 10^≄5M ^α -naphthalene acetic acid. Suspension cultures were initiated from the calli in a similar medium but with 10^≄5Mα 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid in place of^α-naphthalene acetic acid. In ca 80% of the suspension cultures somatic embryos differentiated freely (80-85%) as well as on the surface of small clumps of tissue (15-20%). Somatic embryos that developed beyond heart-shaped stage were transferred to agar-solidified Murashige & Skoog's medium free of growth substances. When maintained in 10 h light and 14 h dark the somatic embryos developed into plantlets bearing cauline leaves. From seed sowing to raising normal plantlets via callus required 28 weeks; on average 80 plantlets were obtained from one explant in three passages.