Micropropagation of Glaucidium palmatum Sieb. et Zucc. by Somatic Embryogenesis from Immature Seeds and Cytogenetic Stability of Culture

Somatic embryos were initiated from immature seeds of Glaucidium palmatum Sieb. et Zucc. (which is indigenous only in Japan and bears beautiful flowers, however recently extinction by deer attacks is problematic) on the half strength Murashige and Skoog medium containing 2.22μM 6-benzvlaminoDurine. Somatic embrvos can be propagated on the same medium. Temperature of the incubation chamber was one of the important factors for better propagation and growth of the somatic embryos. Plant regeneration was successful on the plant growth regulator free medium. Regenerated plantlets were cytogenetically stable according to the flow cytometric study and DNA content was 1. 35 pg/cell. They were habituated and planted out in the field. Tissue culture can overcome the extinction of potentially endangered species such as Glaucidium palmatum.