Abstract

Callus was initiated using bulb and root explants of Hymenocallis littoralis on the Murashige and Skoog (MS) basal media supplemented with various auxins, namely 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), dicamba, picloram, napthaleneacetic acid (NAA) and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) at various concentrations. Degree of callus formation based on weight was found highest (+++++) in NAA treatment at 2.0 mg/L (93.33%). Dicamba produced the lowest (+) number of callus formation at 3.0 mg/L (13.33%). In terms of physical appearance, callus induced from NAA at 2.0 mg/L produced white yellowish and globular callus and Dicamba at 3.0 mg/L produced white and hard callus. Callus induction from bulb is possible except with IAA. Bulb explants grown on 2.0 mg/L 2,4-D and Dicamba formed callus after 11 days, followed by 3.0 mg/L picloram, as well but only 9 days for 2.0 mg/L NAA. Degree of callus formation was found to be the highest (+++++) in 2,4-D at 2.0 mg/L (93.33%). Picloram and NAA produced the lowest (++) callus formation at 3.0 and 2.0 mg/L (40.0% each). In terms of physical appearance, callus induced from 2, 4-D at 2.0 mg/L showed yellowish, and soft globular callus. Picloram at 3.0 mg/L produced white yellowish and soft callus; meanwhile, NAA at 3.0 mg/L produced small callus appearance of white and yellowish colour. The callus induction protocol developed in this study provides a fundamental investigation of bioactive constituents from the H. littoralis medicinal plant.

Key words: Hymenocallis littoralis plants, callus induction, auxins, bulb explants, root explants.