Differentiation of shoot elements from the rachis of Secale cereale L.

Abstract

<em>In vitro</em> culture of young <em>Secale cereale</em> spikes is described with special attention given to changes in development of the rachis. 7 mm explants were cultivated on a modified M u r a s h i g e and S k o o g (1962) medium (MS) supplemented with 2,4-D (dichlorophenoxyacetic acid), NAA (α-naph-thaleneacetic acid), IAA (β-indoleacetic acid), 2,4,5-T (trichlorophenoxyacetic acid), and ZEA (zeatin), KIN (kinetin), BAP (6-benzylaminopurine), IPA (izopentenyladenine or 2 iP) in numerous combinations and concentrations. Rachises differentiated branches with node construction in the presence of synthetic auxin. Rhizogenesis of explants was stimulated by 2,4-D and 2,4,5-T. 2,4,5-T + IPA appeared to be the best combination for callus regeneration. Many meristematic centres were found previously and combinations of NAA + KIN stimulated direct, whereas 2,4-D + ZEA indirect, differentiation of shoot elements. Development was observed from plantlets to flowering plants.