In Vitro Production of Bulblet in Galanthus transcaucasicus Fomin, an Endangered Medicinal Plant

To optimize conditions for micropropagating Galanthus transcaucasicus Fomin, the effect of explant type, different concentrations of sucrose, type and different concentrations of auxin were examined on bulblet production. For the induction of bulblets, three types of bulb scales were usesd as explants. A two-step sterilization procedure was applied. Assessments were made after incubation for 20 weeks at 23±1°C with 16h photoperiods. Highest number of bulblets were proliferated culturing bulb scales on modified MS medium supplemented with 2.0 mg.l^-1 BA and 2.0 mg.l^-1 IBA. About 27% of bulblets were bigger than 5 mm in diameter, suitable for acclimatization. With the increase of sucrose concentration, number of bulblets decreased, but their size increased. This protocol provided a basis for future study on large-scale multiplication system for commercial nurseries of Galanthus transcaucasicus.