Plant regeneration from calli in giant reed (Arundo donax L.)

We established a plant regeneration system using callus culture for giant reed (Arundo donax L.). An in vitro propagation system allowed year-round provision of explants by tissue culture. Calli were induced from axillary buds isolated from plants grown in vitro. Callus induction media supplemented with 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and 6-benzyladenine (BA) influenced both callus induction frequency and later plant regeneration on hormone-free media. Media supplemented with 3 mg L-1 2,4-D appeared to harmonize callus formation and subsequent shoot formation. In contrast, despite a low callus formation frequency, calli induced with 0.25 mg L-1 BA alone showed the highest shoot formation frequency. Data suggest genotypic effects in tissue culture response as well. This study reports the first data regarding the tissue culture of giant reed.