Abstract

The studies on the in vitro culture of the Atriplex halimus, a fooder plant of arid zones of Tunisia, have shown an induction of the callogenesis on intact seedlings cultivated on medium without growth substances. Two media, which differ only by the nature and the concentration of macroelements, were tested. Assays of callogenesis induction were made on media with 1/2, 1/5, 1/10, 1/50, and 1/100 of the usual concentration of macroelements. Murashige and Skoog (MS) diluted at 1/2 and Gamborg (G) diluted at 1/10 showed good callogenesis effects. The control of the callogenesis seems to be possible by the macroelements, probably the mechanism involved the cellular membrane correlatively with the rate of endogenous hormones.

 Key words: Atriplex halimus, in vitro culture, callogenesis, mineral elements.