Screening for propagation suitability in vitro of different Cyclamen species

In the present study we examined the possibility of propagating different Cyclamen species (C. africanum Boiss. and Reut., C. cilicium Boiss. and Heldr., C. coum Mill., C. hederifolium Ait., C. persicum Mill., C. purpurascens Mill.) including some of their subspecies and cultivars in vitro using explants of adult plants. For this purpose two protocols have been applied to eleven genotypes combined with mostly four explant types (placentas with ovules, leaves, petioles and peduncles). The use of these protocols has given rise to either somatic embryo-like structures and/or adventitious shoots in all genotypes. This way it was possible to propagate each of the examined genotypes in vitro using explants of adult plants in a time less than one year. These results may be used in breeding and propagation of Cyclamen as an ornamental plant and as a medicinal plant.