Abstract
Shoots can be regenerated from leaf explants of most azalea (Rhododendron simsii) cultivars using a two-step protocol with a callus induction and a regeneration phase. This procedure is unsuccessful for a few cultivars, because of excessive callus production. In most such cases, shoot regeneration could be obtained in one step, starting from petioles as explants. Flower colour variations (the induction of sports) were frequently observed after regeneration. This phenomenon offers prospects for the enlargement of the commercial assortment but can also be used for the study of gene regulation processes in flower colour variegation.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Anderson WC (1984) A revised tissue culture medium for shoot multiplication of Rhododendron. J. Am. Soc. Hortic. Sci. 109: 343–347
Chittenden RJ (1927) Vegetative segregetion. Bibl. Genet. 3: 355–442
De Schepper S (2001) Molecular analysis of the induction of sports in azalea (Rhododendron simsii hybrids). PhD thesis, University Ghent (173 p)
De Schepper S, Leus L, Mertens M, Debergh P, Van Bockstaele E & De Loose M (2001) Somatic polyploidy and its consequences for flower coloration and flower morphology in azalea. Plant Cell Rep. 20: 583–590
Heursel J (1999) Azalea's. Lannoo, Tielt and Terra, Warnsveld
Marcotrigiano M (1997) Chimeras and variegation: patterns of deceit. HortScience 32: 773–784
Mertens M & Samyn G (1994) Regeneration and somaclonal variation of Rhododendron simsii offer prospects to the obtainment of commercially valuable sports. Mededelingen FLTBW, RUG, 59/4b: 2495–2497
Mertens M, Werbrouck S, Samyn G, Botelho dos Santos Moreira da Silva H & Debergh P (1996) In vitro regeneration of evergreen azalea from leaves. Plant Cell Tiss. Org. Cult. 45: 231–236
Murashige T & Skoog F (1962) A revised medium for rapid growth and bioassays with tobacco tissue cultures. Physiol. Plant. 15: 473–497
Orlikowska T, Nowak E, Marasek A & Kucharska D (1999) Effects of growth regulators and incubation period on in vitro regeneration of adventitious shoots from gerbera petioles. Plant Cell Tiss. Org. Cult. 59: 95–102
Tilney-Basset RA (1986) Plant Chimeras. Edward Arnold Publishers, London (199 p)
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Samyn, G., De Schepper, S. & Van Bockstaele, E. Adventitious shoot regeneration and appearance of sports in several azalea cultivars. Plant Cell, Tissue and Organ Culture 70, 223–227 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1016360224276
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1016360224276