Genetic variability in callus formation and regeneration of garlic (Allium sativum L.)

Abstract

Twenty garlic Allium sativum (L.) genotypes were analysed for genetic variation in their ability to form callus (in one medium) and regenerate shoots (in four different media). Genotypes showed significant differences in the analysis of variance of all the traits tested. The accession Printanor showed the best general behaviour, with 83% callus-producing explants, 44.7% organogenic explants, and 15.35 shoots/g of callus. The best regeneration medium was MBO, without growth regulators. Shoot production capacity was examined with the additive main effects and multiplicative interaction model that proved to be a powerful tool for analysis and easy comprehension of the strong genotype×medium interactions frequently observed in in vitro culture systems.