Morphogenesis and histology of cultures of Iris ensata Thunb. generative organs

Abstract

The initiation stage of Iris ensata Thunb. tissue cultures is optimized when flower fragments containing meristem tissue and with morphogenetic capacity are used. Direct regeneration of inflorescence axis (rachis) and perianth tube explants in tissue culture led to the formation of shoots typical of this species. Examination of the anatomical structures of the ovary, pistil, and filament did not show any zones of meristematic activity, as examined over a 30-d cultivation period using these organs. These results could explain the lack of regenerative capacity of these explants.