Plantlet formation from embryonic tissue of chestnut grown in vitro

Development of axillary shoots was induced when isolated embryonic axes of chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) were cultured on a defined medium containing 6-benzyl-aminopurine (BAP). The optimal concentrations of BAP were determined for development of axillary shoots from both embryonic axes and subcultured shoots. After shoot multiplication a great number of shoots have been maintained sequentially without significant change in the proliferative rate for one year. Limited rooting has been obtained with excised shoots. Indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) at 2 mg/l was used to induce root primordia. After 8 days of treatment the plantlets were transferred to an auxin-free medium for root development.