Regeneration and rapid multiplication of Bowiea volubilis Harv. in tissue culture

Callus cultures were raised from segments of inflorescence axis of Bowies volubilis Harv. (Liliaceae) on a modified basal medium of Murashige and Skoog (1962) (MS) supplemented with 1 mg 1(-1) 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2,4-D) + 15% v/v coconut milk. Shoot primordia developed after 2-3 subcultures when auxin concentration was lowered. Rooted bulbous plants were obtained in MS medium without any hormone.Shoots were induced directly on scales of regenerated bulbs used as secondary explants on modified MS medium supplemented with 2 mg 1(-1) 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) + 0.05 mg 1(-1) 2,4-D. These shoots grew and multiplied rapidly in shake culture using liquid MS medium. From each scale, 400-600 bulblets could be produced in 16-20 weeks period. Eighty percent of plants have survived on transferring to potted soil.