Somatic Embryogenesis of Magnolia spp. and Cultivars

Abstract

This study focused on induction of somatic embryogenesis of Magnolia spp. and cultivars utilizing leaf and seed (immature and mature) tissues with attempted micropropagation experiments. In a preliminary experiment, direct embryo regeneration was successful in a single leaf tissue of M. ‘Yellow Bird’. After various micropropagation experiments, microshoot proliferation rates decreased. As a result of minimal leaf material, mature seeds were utilized but had contamination issues. Subsequent experiments utilized immature seeds. M. ‘Leonard Messel’ and M. stellata had significantly greater embryo regeneration rates and M. ‘Rosea’, M. stellata, and M. kobus had greater callus induction rates. Woody Plant Medium had significantly greater rates of embryo regeneration as compared to Yellow Poplar medium. Further experimental measures including various collection times of immature seeds are necessary for an efficient regeneration protocol to support potential research utilizing floral-inducing genes to induce rapid breeding cycles for selection of magnolias with diverse floral characteristics.