In vitro regeneration of Hagenia abyssinica (Bruce) J.F. Gmel. (Rosaceae) from leaf explants.

A protocol for shoot regeneration of Hagenia abyssinica (Bruce) J.F. Gmel. has been developed using leaf explants originating from in vitro seedlings and mature material. The explants were cultured on Murashige and Skoog medium containing various concentrations of alpha-naphthaleneacetic acid and thidiazuron (TDZ). Concentrations of TDZ lower than 1.0 microM promoted direct shoot regeneration, but higher concentrations promoted callus induction. Around 96-100% regeneration was obtained between 1.0 and 10 microM TDZ. The average number of shoots per explant at 1.0 microM TDZ was 8.4+/-4.8. Among the different explants used, the highest percentage of regeneration and shoots per explant was obtained from complete leaf explants. A significant (P< or =0.05) difference in regeneration capacity was observed among the five genotypes examined. The resulting shoots were multiplied on multiplication medium, rooted and acclimatised in a greenhouse.