Callus initiation and subculture ofTaxus chinensis

Abstract

Conditions have been established for the callus initiation and subculture ofT. chinensis. The calli were induced by the explants cultured first on the medium MS supplemented with 1.0 mg/L 2,4-D, 2g/L CH, and 25g/L sucrose, then on The medium: MS+1.0 mg/L NAA+0.5 mg/L BA+2g/L CH+25g/L sucrose. When the callus was subcultured and tamed several times, it could grow fast and stable on the medium: MS+0.2mg/L 2,4-D+0.5 mg/L NAA+0.5 mg/L BA+2g/LCH+25 g/L sucrose. The contamination of explants was a result of endophytic microbes ofT. chinensis. This could be avoided by adopting the tender shoots 3–5 cm long collected in early spring as the source of explants. The browning of the cultures could be prevented and controlled by means of the selection of a suitable explants, hormonal regime in the medium, culture methods and the use of antioxidants.

Keywords

Taxus chinensis / tissue culture / taxol