Callus induction and somatic embryogenesis from leaf and nodal explants of Lycium barbarum L. (Goji)

Lycium barbarum or commonly known as goji or wolfberry is a type of Chinese medicinal herbs which has been consumed since ancient times. In the present study, the best explant and corresponding treatment for callus induction and somatic embryogenesis in this species were determined. Leaves and nodes were used as explants and cultured on different combinations and concentrations of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) plant growth regulators. For callus induction, the optimal callus formation effects were found in the treatment of 0.3 mg L-1 2,4-D and 0.1 mg L -1 or 0.3 mg L-1 BAP in Murashige and Skoog's (MS) media, while 0.1 mg L-1 BAP with either 0.3 mg L-1 or 0.5 mg L-1 2,4-D in MS media were the optimal treatments in nodal explant. As for somatic embryogenesis, after a series of sequential subculture on MS basal media, the treatment of 1.0 mg L-1 2,4-D and 0.1 mg L -1 BAP in MS media during callus induction phase in leaf explant were identified to be the optimum treatment to produce somatic embryos. Through this study, reliable protocols useful for L. barbarum mass propagation through callus culture and somatic embryos formation had been established and verified. © 2013 Asian Network for Scientific Information.