Thidiazuron induces high frequency shoot bud formation from Begonia petiole transverse thin cell layer culture

The effect of thidiazuron (TDZ) on shoot bud formation of Begonia spp. using transverse thin cell layer (tTCL) technology is presented in this paper. tTCLs were cut from Begonia petioles about 0.8-1.0 mm thick and cultured on half-strength MS medium supplemented with various concentrations of BA, TDZ, and different combinations of BA or TDZ and NAA. The highest shoot bud formation was obtained on medium with 0.2 mg l(-1) TDZ and 0.2 mg l(-1) NAA, giving rise to 100% shoot formation after 8 weeks. TDZ at low concentrations (0.1-0.2 mg l(-1)) was effective for caulogenesis from Begonia tTCLs.