Somatic Embryogenesis in Kalazira (Bunium persicum Bioss.)

In vitro multiplication of Bunium persicum via somatic embryogenesis is reported. The callus was derived from petiole explants on Murashige and Skoog medium containing 2mgl^-1 2,4-D and 2mgl^-1 Kn differentiated globular embryos upon subculture to MS medium supplemented with different concentration of auxins. The globular embryos continued to multiply on a medium supplemented with 2,4-D but failed to mature. Further differentiation of globular embryos occurred when embryogenic callus was sub cultured to a medium lacking 2,4-D. However, the globular embryos formed on NAA and IBA supplemented medium differentiated into mature embryos on the same medium. The mature embryos were germinated on a medium supplemented with 0.2 mgl^-1 Kn and 0.01 mgl^-1 IBA at a temperature of 10-15°C. The plantlets produced a small tuber on their ischolar_mains which sprouted after 8 weeks.