Vegetative propagation of Begonia venosa Skan in vitro from inflorescence explants

Methods are described for the vegetative propagation of Begonia venosa Skan. Young flower buds are capable of producing callus which, contrasting to callus from leaves of adult plants, is very organogenic. For callus induction are required: BA and NAA at a conc. of 0.5 mgl^–1, 21 °C and low irradiance. Subculture of organogenic callus is optimal on a medium with 0.1 mgl^–1 BA and 2% glucose, whereas NAA is ommitted. Shoot development from preformed adventitious buds is enhanced by lowering the BA and glucose conc. Optimal rooting of excised shoots is obtained on a medium without regulators and a low glucose level. No visible mutations can be detected in the plant material, even not at the flowering stage.Abbreviations (BA) 6-Benzylaminopurine - (2iP) N⁶-(2-isopentenyl)adenine - (MS)(1) Murashige and Skoog - (NAA) 1-Naphthaleneacetic acid Publ. 535