Callus regeneration and somatic embryogenesis in Ensete superbum (Roxb. Cheesman)

The two patterns of in vitro plantlet production from the calli initiated from two different types of corms, namely, organogenesis leading to regeneration and somatic embryogenesis are reported. Proliferating callus induced from corm developed at the base of shoot tips excised from field grown plants cultured on MS medium with 3000 mgl⁻¹ KNO₃, 800 mgl⁻¹ NH₄NO₃ and 1000 mgl⁻¹ L-glutamine supplemented with 10 mgl⁻¹ NAA and 2.5 mgl⁻¹ Kinetin regenerated shoots and roots. Embryogenic callus induced from corm at the base of in vitro regenerated shoots on MS medium with modified constitution of vitamins and 1000 mgl⁻¹ L-glutamine supplemented with 2 mgl⁻¹ 2,4-D and 1.5 mgl⁻¹ BAP on transfer to medium devoid of hormones induced somatic embryos, that on germination gave rise to plantlets. The difference observed in nutrient requirements as well as in the pattern of regeneration by the two types of explants is attributed to their intrinsic physiological conditions.