Micropropagation of zinnia (Zinnia elegans L.) in tissue culture

Zinnia (Zinnia elegans L.) is grown as a seasonal ornamental plant. In this study, seed germination capacities of zinnia in in vitro and in vivo environments, effects of different plant growth regulators at different explants (leaf, leaf lamina and leaf stem) on callus and shoot formation was investigated. The best surface sterilization of the seeds was obtained by keeping them in 5% sodium hypochlorite solution for 3 minutes. The highest germination rate was 25-30% and realized in in vivo environment. Among the in vitro germination environments, the most in efficient germination medium was observed to be the MS medium, followed by the White medium. Germination began five days after the planting of seeds, continued between 5th and 7th days, and after the seventh day germination stopped completely. It was found that the most productive environment for callus development, fraternization and shoot regeneration is MS medium. Leaf explant was the best explant source. The best callus and shoot development was obtained in MS medium containing 1mg/L 2.4-D+1mg/L BA, with 2.67% and 2.33% respectively. This was followed by B5 medium containing 1mg / L 2.4-D+1mg / L BA. In this medium, 2.25% shoot formation and 1.13% callus formation was observed. Light had a positive effect on the callus development and there was no callus development when the cultivation is done in a dark environment.