Induction of somatic embryogenesis in Australian monocots

The effect of plant growth regulators on somatic embryogenesis was examined in three Australian monocotyledonous species used as cut flowers or potplants: Anigozanthos 'Harmony' (Haemodoraceae), Blandfordia grandiflora 'Queen Anne' (Blandfordiaceae) and Thysanotus juncifolius (Anthericaceae). Embryogenic callus was established. Cultures were maintained at 24 degrees C +/- 2 degrees C under 16 hrs white fluorescent light at 30 mu E m(-2) s(-1) or dark conditions. MS (Murashige and Skoog, 1962) with 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) at concentrations of 0.5-10 mu M and naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) at the same concentrations was tested for the somatic embryos development. Nodular callus of Blandfordia grandiflora 'Queen Anne' and Thysanotus juncifolius formed somatic embryos on MS with BAP at 0.5 mu M, and with BAP and NAA at concentrations of 1 mu M. Anigozanthos 'Harmony' embryogenic callus formed just roots only under conditions similar to those applied to the other two species.