Evaluation of Different Types of Daylily Explants for Somatic Embryogenesis

Abstract

To improve somatic embryogenesis of Daylilies (Hemerocallis hybrid); six types of explants namely immature seeds, immature embryos, mature embryos, young inflorescence, ovary-sections and filaments of daylily flower buds were investigated as source of explants. Explants from field grown plants were surface sterilized and followed by culturing on MS medium supplemented with 1.5 mg/L NAA and 0.5 mg/L BAP for four weeks. Explants were scored for development of embryogenic tissue and formation of somatic embryos with/without the formation of an intermediate callus stage. Both mature and immature embryo explants produced direct development of embryogenic tissue followed by somatic embryos. Young inflorescence explants developed compact calli and produced roots around cut ends and showed no somatic embryogenesis. Ovary explants exhibited swelling and not produced embryogenesis. Production of embryogenic callus and formation of somatic embryos in filament explants depended on the sizes of flower buds. Explants from 0.5 to 1.2 mm size flower buds produced calli and formed somatic embryos while explants from sizes over 1.2 mm flower buds only non-embryogenic calli. Immature seeds failed to grow. The results indicated that immature and mature embryos and filaments from young flower buds responded better than other explants for developing somatic embryos in daylily.