Indirect somatic embryogenesis on rare octoploid Asparagus breslerianus plants

Asparagus breslerianus Schultes & Schultes fil is considered a rare wild octoploid species, which needs preservation against livestock grazing and erosion. In vitro method, especially somatic embryogenesis, is a useful method to perform mass micropropagation of identical clones. In the present study, spear buds of Asparagus breslerianus were used to obtain in vitro somatic embryos and, subsequently turn them into plantlets. Calli were developed on callus induction media (MS + 0.88 μM BA + 1.07 μM NAA). Then, they were transferred for four weeks to somatic embryogenesis induction phase media with different concentrations of 2,4-D (0, 4.53, 9.05 and 13.57 μM) and BA (0, 4.44, 8.88 and 13.32 μM). 2,4-D and BA were eliminated from induced calli media in realization phase. As a result globular, bipolar and mature embryos were observed six weeks later. Calli with compact or friable structures either green or yellowish produced embryogenic calli. Once the mature embryos developed shoots, they were transferred to root initiated media consisting of MS +3.9 μM Ancymidol and 1.07 μM NAA. Two months later, storage roots were produced on in vitro well-regenerated plantlets. The survival of asparagus plantlets in the acclimation phase was improved by the development of storage roots.