Production of multiple shoots and plant regeneration from leaf segments of fig tree (Ficus carica L.)

Abstract

High frequency of multiple shoots and plant regeneration has been obtained from the leaf segments of fig tree (Ficus carica L.). Budbreak from dormant buds is highly dependent upon cultivar, so we chose cv. Seungjung Dauphine because it shows an excellent degree of budbreak. Tissue-browning can be an important limiting factor duringin vitro culture. This phenomenon could be substantially delayed or reduced by treating the tissues with 0.5 mM phloroglucinol, thus oxidizing the phenolic substances exuded from the segments. Wounded leaf explants cultured on MS medium supplemented with TDZ in combination with IBA produced more multiple shoots than did other combinations of auxin and cytokinin. For example, 2 mg L-1 IBA along with either 0.5 or 1.0 mg L-1 TDZ resulted in 8.1 or 10.8 multiple shoots per explant, respectively. We achieved a frequency of approximately 90% when tissues were first maintained under darkness in the culture medium for one week before being transferred to the light. Regenerated shoots rooted best in a full-strength MS basal medium.In vitro regenerated plant-lets were then successfully transferred to greenhouse conditions. Here, we have demonstrated a regeneration protocol that is suitable for use in conservation as well as genetic transformation studies of figs and related species.