Abstract

Muscari neglectum Guss. is one of the ornamental species from Liliaceae family and has been used as well as other species of the genus Muscari, for its medicinal properties. The root is anti-inflammatory, antiallergic, aphrodisiac and pectoral stimulant. Somatic embryogenesis in M. neglectum Guss. was induced from bulb explants cultured in Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium plant growth regulator free or supplemented with different concentrations of 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) and 6-benzylaminopurine (BA). The best results were obtained on plant growth regulator free medium or with lower NAA and BA concentrations and 30 g/l sucrose. Somatic embryo development was observed on 1/2 MS medium plant growth regulator free under continuous illumination with fluorescent light. Matured somatic embryos germinated and converted to plantlets in the same medium or containing 1 mg/l BA after 3-4 months. The plantlets left in the medium especially containing BA produced bulbs after 5 months.

Key words: Bulb explant, Muscari neglectum, plantlet regeneration, somatic embryogenesis.