Abstract

We developed a regeneration protocol using thidiazuron (TDZ) with a high frequency in vitro root induction in Astragalus cicer. High in vitro germination ratio (75%) for hard-seeds of A. cicer was also achieved. For this, hypocotyl and cotyledon explants were cultured on Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with different concentrations of TDZ. The highest frequency of shoot regeneration (53.3%) was achieved from hypocotyl segments through an initial callus growth stage on MS medium containing 0.25 mg/l TDZ. The shoots were cultured on the different strength (1/1, 3/4, 1/2 and 1/4) of basal Murashige and Skoog medium containing different concentrations of NAA. High rooting (100%) and survival (100%) were achieved using half strength MS medium supplemented with 0.25 and 0.50 mg/l NAA.

Key words: Astragalus cicer, regeneration, hypocotyl, cotyledon, rooting.

Abbreviation

TDZ, thidiazuron; MS, Murashige and Skoog medium; NAA, α-naphthaleneacetic acid.