[Establishment and optimization of in vitro regeneration system for Plantago major L]

Plantago major is not only used as medicinal herb but also an important model plant of ecology. Little work has been reported on the tissue culture of P. major. A reproducible system for direct shoot morphogenesis and callus induction of Plantago major L. 'Giant Turkish' was described. Using seed as explants, the adventitious buds were obtained 4 to 5 weeks following incubation on MS medium supplemented with 0.2 mg/L IAA and 1.0 mg/L TDZ. The frequency of adventitious buds was as high as 100%. The average number of buds per explant was 14.6. Random amplified polymorphic DNA analysis on 9 regenerants indicated that somaclonal variation occurred at DNA level. Using leaves as explants, calli were easily induced on MS medium supplemented with 1.0 mg/L NAA 3 weeks following inoculation. The frequency of callus induction can be as high as 98%. On MS medium containing 4.0 mg/L 6-BA, 25% of calli differentiated and the mean number of buds per piece of callus was 2.8. The buds developed roots on 11/2 MS medium and formed plantlets, 90% of which survived when transplanted to greenhouse.