In Vitro callus formation from stem explants of Curcuma sp. No. 50

The effects of some plant growth regulators and age of stem explants on callus induction of Curcuma sp. No. 50 in vitro were determined. Stem explants 1.0 cm in size measured from the base of Curcuma sp. plantlets could be induced to form calli when cultured on MS (Murashige and skoog, 1962) agar medium having 2,4-D. When combinations of 2,4-D (0-0.5 mg/l) and BAP (0-0.25 mg/l) were tested, it showed that 2,4-D singly added was superior to 2,4-D combined with BAP in promoting callus induction. The most effective 2,4-D level was 0.125 mg/l, providing the highest callus formation. The inclusion of 2,4-D and BAP or only BAP in the medium improved growth and development of shoot rather than callus growth. Explants from plantlets cultured for 2 months were more suitable for callus induction than those from 1- and 3- month old plantlets. From histological study, it was found that calli may have originated from parenchyma of initial culture stem explants.