De novo shoot organogenesis of Pinus eldarica Medw. in vitro

Abstract

Semi-thin section microscopy was used to evaluate callus formation and subsequent shoot regeneration in the Afghan pine, Pinus eldarica, as correlated to macro-photography of the same processes. Evidence showed the development of unorganized callus required three to six months. Observations over the following two years of culture revealed that regeneration of buds involved induction of subsurface reorganization in the tissues. Buds emerged through the surface of the callus later during development. Evidence indicated regeneration was de novo in origin and proceeded by the mode of shoot organogenesis. A single shoot was adventitiously rooted with continuous vascular connection between shoot and root.