Long-term multiplication of onion (Allium cepa L.) by cyclic shoot regeneration in vitro

We succeeded in cultivating onion plants in vitro with a high potential for shoot regeneration. The apex must be destroyed or injured to obtain axillary buds. This capacity was restricted to the abaxial base of the youngest sheaths. It was shown necessary to restore plant individuality before further proliferation; this process constituted one cycle. For successive regeneration each cycle was composed of three steps: shoot proliferation in the presence of a cytokinin, shoot individualization and plant development in the absence of growth regulators. Effect of growth regulators on the physiological status of onion plants cultured in vitro is discussed.Abbreviations BA 6-benzyladenine - NAA naphthaleneacetic acid