SHOOT PRODUCTION FROM CULTURED ALLIUM-PORRUM TISSUES

Large numbers of shoots have been obtained from the excised basal regions of leek plants, cultured on BDS medium. Shoots could be induced optimally upon media within the range of 6.0-8.0 mg 1-1 6-(3-methyl-2-buten-1-ylamino)-purine (2iP) and 1.0-2.0 mg 1-1 napthaleneacetic acid (NAA). Sub-culture of induced shoots onto fresh media, from the above hormone ranges, resulted in further multiplication. Sub-culture, onto fresh medium from the above hormone ranges, of the callus-like region around the bases of induced shoots and adjacent tissue, could also result in shoot production. Internally developing shoot primordia occurred in close proximity to meristematic regions, whereas superficially developing primordia did not show distinct affinities, although there was evidence of localised pockets of meristematic cells amidst senescing explant material at the surface of the culture. Such regions may represent early stages in the formation of the superficial primordia. The production of large numbers of leek shoots in vitro is mentioned in relation to present techniques of micro-propagation and cryopreservation. © 1979.