In Vitro Callus Induction In Saffron Leaves

Abstract

Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) is a perennial species of Iridaceae family. Dried stigmas of saffron flowers compose the most expensive spice which has been valuable since ancient times for its odoriferous, coloring, and medicinal properties. Conventional propagation methods are very slow and propagation by tissue culture represents an important potential to effectively propagate it. Callus is finding increasing uses in plant biotechnology, micropropagation and commercial production of natural products. An experiment was conducted using MS medium supplemented with 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5 and 3 ppm 2,4-D and 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4 and 0.5 ppm BA. Basal parts of leaves were used as explants. Green callus was induced in 2.5 ppm 2,4-D and 0.3 ppm BA.