Rapid and simple multiplication of Pinellia ternata by tissue culture

Rapid and simple regeneration of Pinellia ternata has been achieved by tissue culture. The addition of 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2,4-D; 0.5 ppm) and kinetin (1 ppm) stimulated production of a maximum number of regenerated plantlets, while callus formation was induced by concentrations of 2,4-D higher than 1 ppm. alpha-Naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) was also favourable for regeneration but was less effective than 2,4-D. Growth with indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and kinetin favoured callus formation in general, but the rate of callus growth was extremely slow. These regenerated plantlets flowered true to their parental strains when transferred to soil and cultivated for 4.5 months.