Regeneration of chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium) via somatic embryogenesis and screening of clones for agronomic traits

Abstract

Chrysanthemum morifolium propagation using conventional method of stem cutting produces weak plants and showed delayed anthesis above 20°C with reduced ower diameter. Therefore, in the present study chrysanthemum plantlets were produced through somatic embryogenic calli to exploit the somaclonal variation for its improvement. Various explants of variety Dante yellow were cultured on LS (Linsmaier and Skoog 1965) medium augmented with various concentrations of KT (Kinetin) and 2,4-D (2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid) and their combinations for callus induction. Embryogenic calli were proliferated and regenerated by using different plant growth regulators. Regenerated plantlets were acclimatized and evaluated for agronomic characteristics and compared with mother plant in a replicated eld trial. Results revealed that young leaf explant cultured on LS medium containing 9.02 µM 2,4-D and 11.61 µM KT gave an ample amount of callus. Combination of 0.44 µM BAP (6-benzylaminopurine) and 5.37 µM NAA (1-naphthaleneacetic acid) yielded highest amount of callus proliferation (0.27g ± 0.03).Signi cant amount of shootlets (25 ± 0.8) from embryogenic callus was observed on the medium augmented with 0.45 µM 2, 4-D. During the eld experiment, Clone S84 showed considerable improvement in ower size as compare to mother plant and found to be a promising clone for commercialization.