CALLUS INDUCTION AND PLANT-REGENERATION IN VETIVERIA ZIZANIOIDES

Callus induction was obtained from basal parts of Vetiveria zizanioides Stapf. leaves cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 9.0 mu M 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), 5.7 mu M indoleacetic acid (IAA) and 4.6 mu M kinetin. Calli were maintained on MS medium with the addition of 0.9 mu M 2,4-D and 2.3 mu M kinetin. Shoot formation was obtained from fast growing 14-day-old callus on the same basal medium supplemented with 0.9 mu M 2,4-D and 9.3 mu M kinetin. Embryo-like structures were observed. When transferred to basal medium, shoots readily developed roots. Fully developed regenerated plants were then successfully established in soil.