Somatic embryogenesis for mass propagation of Ericaceae - a case study with Leucopogon verticillatus

An efficient three-phase culture has been developed for plant regeneration of Leucopogon verticillatus (R. Br.)(Ericaceae formerly Epacridaceae [Ann. Missouri Bot. Gard. 85 (1998): 531–553]) via somatic embryogenesis asindicative of likely culture scenarios for other Ericaceae. The Ericaceae, particularly many Australian species, areoften difficult to propagate by conventional forms of nursery propagation. Initiation of somatic embryos was bestachieved using Gamborg’s B5 medium, pH 6, 4% maltose, 0.7% agar with the plant growth regulators 10 μMTDZand 5 μM IAA. Somatic embryos were removed from the parent tissue and transferred to half strength basal GB5medium for elongation. Root development did not occur unless specific treatments were used, a 2–5 day pulsetreatment of 100 μM IBA significantly increased root production. All roots produced in agar-medium were fineand easily damaged when removed from culture. The most successful rooting medium (>60%) was sand on oatmedium, which facilitated easy removal from the substrate and improved the survival of plants when transferred tosoil.