Effect of plant growth regulators on callus induction and regeneration of cumin (Cuminum cyminum)

Cumin, a member of the Umbelifereae family, is one of the oldest and economically most important spices. Generally, there is limited information about in vitro culture of Cuminum cyminum. A simple method was developed for regeneration of Cumin. This method yielded a large number of shoots within short period of time (30–40 days) without any sub culturing. The effect of different media and various combinations of plant growth regulators (PGRs) on callus formation and shoot regeneration were investigated. Simultaneous callus and shoot regeneration were obtained. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with 30 treatments and 5 replications per treatment. The best response for shoot regeneration was observed on B5 medium containing 0.1 mg l⁻¹ α-Naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) and 4 mg l⁻¹ Kinetin (Kin). The B5 medium containing 2 mg l⁻¹ NAA and 2 mg l⁻¹ Kin was the best treatment for callus and root induction and regeneration simultaneously.