SUSPENSION CULTURES OF DIANTHUS CARYOPHYLLUS CELLS

Liquid cultures of microcalli and cells of carnation were obtained from meristematic apex callus. Calli were filtered and then subcultures in three media, based on Murashige and Skoog (1962) formula, which differed for the GRF : LM = p-CPA, LD = 2, 4D, LT = 2, 4, 5 T.

Cultures were carried on in continuous agitation (80–90 rpm) in standard cultural conditions. They showed high enzimatic activity and progressive reduction of cell size. The viability was fixed over 80%.

Cells collected after a further filtration at 500μ mesh were maintained in stationary liquid culture without hormones and regenerated individual shoots and embryo-like structures. This tendency was more evident in cultures coming from medium LT.

The regenerations were taken and put into jars containing several developing and rooting media. Data about fresh weight and length of the shoots, statistically analysed, indicated that a medium without vitamins and hormones, using Phytagel as gelificant agent, was more suitable than the others to grow them.

Then the whole plantlets were put into the greenhouse to evaluate their growth.