Efficient Somatic Embryogenesis, Regeneration and Acclimatization of Panax ginseng Meyer: True-to-Type Conformity of Plantlets as Confirmed by ISSR Analysis

Abstract

Panax ginseng Meyer grows in east Russia and Asia. There is a high demand for this crop due to its medicinal properties. However, its low reproductive efficiency has been a hindrance to the crop's widespread use. This study aims to establish an efficient regeneration and acclimatization system for the crop. The type of basal media and strength were evaluated for their effects on somatic embryogenesis, germination, and regeneration. The highest rate of somatic embryogenesis was achieved for the basal media MS, N6, and GD, with the optimal nitrogen content (≥35 mM) and NH4+/NO3- ratio (1:2 or 1:4). The full-strength MS medium was the best one for somatic embryo induction. However, the diluted MS medium had a more positive effect on embryo maturation. Additionally, the basal media affected shooting, rooting, and plantlet formation. The germination medium containing 1/2 MS facilitated good shoot development; however, the medium with 1/2 SH yielded outstanding root development. In vitro-grown roots were successfully transferred to soil, and they exhibited a high survival rate (86.3%). Finally, the ISSR marker analysis demonstrated that the regenerated plants were not different from the control. The obtained results provide valuable information for a more efficient micropropagation of various P. ginseng cultivars.