Adventitious shoot induction and somatic embryogenesis with intact seedlings of several hybrid seed geranium (Pelargonium x hortorum Bailey) varieties.

Intact seedlings of hybrid seed geranium (Pelargonium x hortorum Bailey) were tested for their ability to produce adventitious shoots and somatic embryos by direct culture of mature seeds on Murashige and Skoog (1962) medium (MS) supplemented with growth regulators BAP, BAP + IAA, or thidiazuron (TDZ). Ten varieties were tested in the presence of different BAP concentrations, four with BAP + IAA, and two with TDZ. Varieties used in this study differed in their response to BAP in the medium. Multiple adventitious shoots were produced by seven of the ten varieties tested. Multiple adventitious shoots were induced at all levels of TDZ in the medium. TDZ also induced callusing from roots and direct embryogenesis from intact hypocotyls. Adventitious shoots were separated, rooted and transferred to soil where they grew as normal healthy plants and flowered.