CALLUS INDUCTION AND IN VITRO REGENERATION OF TWO GARLIC CULTIVARS BY ROOT TIP

Garlic traditionally has been propagated vegetatively because of its sexual sterility; therefore, viral disease is a very serious problem. In this study, the development of a methodology for in vitro plant regeneration of ‘Hamedani’ and ‘Mazand’ garlic cultivars is presented. Root tip explants were cultured in Chu et al. medium (N6) plus six concentrations (A= 0.5, B= 1.0, and C= 1.5 mg L^-1 2,4-D) and (D=A+ 0.5, E=B+ 1.0, and F=C+ 1.5 mg L^-1 Kinetin). The six culture media allowed the formation of embryogenic callus in 100% of the root tips cultured for both cultivars. N6 medium supplemented with 2,4-D 0.5 mg L^-1 and Kinetin 0.5 mg L^-1 can be useful for callus induction and regeneration in ‘Mazand’ garlic cultivar, whereas 2,4-D 0.5 mg L^-1 can be useful for callus induction and regeneration in ‘Hamedani’ garlic cultivar.