[Tissue culture and polyploidy induction of Morinda officinalis]

To establish an effective protocol for plant generation and induce polyploidy of Morinda offcinalis.

Callus was induced from immature embryo of M. officinalis and polyploidy was inducted by using colchicine treatment method. Chromosome was detected by flow cytometry.

The highest induction rate of polyploidy was 18.40%, which was obtained with 500 mg x L(-1) colchicine treatment for 5 days. Roots of polyploid were bigger than diploid. Advantages of using immature embryo as explants are easy for sterilization, higher rate of callus induction and low degree dedifferentiation. The induced polyploidy of M. officinalis may have a value for spread of cultivation.