Plant regeneration and multiplication of the emergent wetland monocot Juncus accuminatus

A reliable callus regeneration and shoot multiplication system for wetland monocot Juncus accuminatus has been established. Callus was induced from 6-day-old seedlings on Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with 5 mg/l picloram. The callus differentiated into shoots upon transfer to 5 mg/l benzyladenine (BA)-supplemented medium. Effects of medium pH (3.8-7.8) and source of callus (grown in the dark or continuous light) on regeneration were determined. Both parameters significantly influenced regeneration. Regenerated shoots were multiplied by subculturing shoots onto 5 mg/l BA medium at 4-week intervals. The regenerated shoots were rooted on 0.1 mg/l naphthaleneacetic-acid-supplemented medium. The rooted plants were transferred to pots containing a commercial potting mix and established in the greenhouse. Plants covered with plastic grew faster and flowered earlier than uncovered plants. All plants set viable seeds.