Investigation of in vitro micropropagation possibilities in lisianthus (Eustoma grandiflorum) plant

Lisyantus is a preferred cut-flowering ornamental plant because of its long-lasting flowers, buds bloom one after another and its showy flowers. The production of the plant, which enters the sector rapidly all over the world, is mainly done by obtaining seedlings from the seeds of hybrid varieties and growing them in greenhouses. Seeds are imported from abroad. It is important to start breeding studies and develop domestic commercial varieties in Lisyantus. In vitro propagation techniques are helpful to speed up breeding cycles. The aim of this study is to optimize the propagation system through tissue culture to lay the ground work for in vitro mutation and genetic transformation studies in lisianthus. Leaf explants were prepared from seedlings grown from lisyantus seeds germinated in vitro and cultured in MS basic nutrient medium with 20 different compositions. Five doses of BAP and TDZ (0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 3.0 and 4.0 mg/L) and their combinations prepared with 0.5 mg/L NAA were used as cytokinins. Hormone-free MS was used as the control medium, and shoot growth did not occur in this medium. Organogenesis was achieved in all nutrient media containing BGD. The number of shoots between 7.22-15.6 per explant was obtained, MS4 and MS9 media (3 mg/L BAP or TDZ) drew attention in terms of growth and shoot number characteristics. While 15.5 shoots were obtained per explant in environments where TDZ was used at 3 and 4 mg/L doses, similar results were obtained (15.1 shoots/explants) when BAP was used at 2 and 3 mg/L doses. In this study, the necessary steps for successful micropropagation from lisianthus leaf explants were fully optimized. The system is made ready for the use of rapid propagation or in vitro breeding methods.