The effect of different concentrations of TDZ and BA on in vitro regenerationof Iranian cannabis (Cannabis sativa) using cotyledon and epicotyl explants

The present study was carried out to investigate micropropagation possibility and determine the optimalmedium composition and plant growth regulators (PGRs) combinations under in vitro conditions in Iranian cannabis. Thecotyledon and epicotyl explants obtained from 1 month old in vitro grown seedlings were used in MS medium containingBA (0.1, 0.2, 0.5, 1, 2 and 3 mg-1) and TDZ (0.1, 0.2, 0.5, 1, 2 and 3 mg-1) either alone or in combination with 0.5 mg-1IBA. Callus formation had priority over direct regeneration in most of the PGRs treatments. Comparing the two explants,cotyledon had higher callus formation frequency and the largest callus volume was obtained for this explant in MSmedium supplemented with 3 mg-1 TDZ + 0.5 mg-1 IBA. The highest callus fresh weight (3.15 gr) was obtained forcotyledon explant treated with 2 mg-1 TDZ+ 0.5 mg-1 IBA. In shoot formation step, the highest rate of shoot regenerationwas achieved in the calli produced from epicotyl explant treated with 2 mg-1 BA + 0.5 mg-1 IBA; and the highest lengthof regenerated shoots (1.23 cm) was observed in 2 mg-1 BA + 0.5 mg-1 IBA treatment. In general, cotyledon was the bestexplant and TDZ in combination with IBA was the best treatment for callus formation. Epicotyl explant also showedbetter regeneration compared to cotyledon.

Keywords:

Cannabis , Callus , Plant growth regulators , Regeneration