The effects of external benzyl amino purin (BAP) in explant resources were evaluated on the frequency of shoot induction. The effects of different levels and combinations of various cytokinins on multiple shoot induction and elongation of shoots were compared. The effect of explant age was also tested on shoot induction from various explants. Effects of IBA, IAA and NAA on root induction of elongated shoots were examined. Optimum conditions for root emergence and growth and the hardening of seedlings were determined. Cotyledon with small parts of embryo axes was the superior explants for shoot induction. Shoot induction was enhanced in the explants by inclusion of BAP in the germination media. The highest shoot induction (up to 96%) was obtained on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented by isopentenyladenine( 7.5 µM 2), kinetin ( 4µM), and thidiazuron ( 2 µM). More than 80% of the elongated shoots produced roots in solid 1/4 BS medium supplemented with 50 µM NAA for 3 days followed by 10 days in a mixture of liquid 1/4 BS, vermiculite and sand. Root development and hardening of seedling was achieved by using a hydroponic system containing Arnon s solution. tissue culture derived plants were transplanted to the greenhouse where the seeds were harvested after about 4 months.

Keywords