Callus induction and adventitious organogenesis of kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.).

Callus production along with caulogenesis and rhizogenesis were obtained from internodal stem explants of kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) after 4 weeks in culture. Murashige and Skoog medium was used for two 4×4 matrix experiments designed to determine suitable growth regulator combinations (NAA/BAP or 2,4-D/kinetin) and concentrations (0.1, 0.3, 1.0, 3.0 mg/L). The most abundant callus production was observed at 0.3/3.0 and 1.0/3.0 mg/L 2,4-D/kinetin and at 1.0/1.0 and 3.0/1.0 mg/L NAA/BAP. Rhizogenesis was most extensive with NAA/BAP at concentrations of 0.1/3.0 and 0.3/ 3.0 mg/L. Adventitious shoots developed on both auxin/cytokinin matrixes when each concentration was at 0.3 mg/L or less. These protocols will facilitate the development of in vitro approaches to kenaf improvement and the study of certain host-pathogen interactions.