Production of Lavender (Lavandula Angustifolia) Plants from Somatic Embryos Developed from its Seedlings Leaf Callus

Abstract

The current study succeeded in producing the lavender ( Lavandula angustifolia ) plant from somatic embryos induced by the leaves callus of its seedlings, The results of soaking its dormant seeds in a solution of gibberellic acid at concentrations (0, 0.1, 0.25, 0.5, 1.0) gm l -1 for 24 hours showed the superiority of the concentration 0.5 g L -1 in stimulation the germination rate that reached 75% after 6 days comparing with other treatments and control that had 20% germination after 13 days. This study was able to initiated callus from seedling leaves when were placed on MS solid medium supplemented with by added 3.0 mg L -1 NAA and 10 mg L -1 BA after 20 days, Initiated callus was characterized by its yellowish-green color and friable texture, and when its masses were removed and placed on the same media, it produced well-growth cultures that were perpetuated every 15 days. After the second sub-culturing, the first stages of somatic embryos appeared, the spherical stage, which later developed into the heart,then torpedo and cotyledon stages and produced when placed individually on MSO medium, Intact lavender plants after 30 days were characterized by their good growth and density of leaves.