Plant regeneration of Fraxinus angustifolia by in vitro shoot organogenesis

The in vitro regeneration of Fraxinus angustifolia through bud/shoot organogenesis on embryonic explants was investigated. Embryo axes and cotyledons from mature seeds underwent adventitious regeneration after exposure to growth regulators, the embryo axes showing a greater regenerative potential than cotyledons. While the MS medium proved effective for the induction and initiation phases, it was inadequate for bud development, and was replaced by DKW medium. A constant supply of benzyladenine (BA) appeared essential for all phases. The gelling agents used had an important role in morphogenesis: Duchefa Gelrite positively affected the number of new buds per explant. The rooting of developed shoots was easily achieved on auxin-free WPM medium and most of the rooted plantlets hardened after a period of acclimation in a mist greenhouse. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.