CHANGES IN MORPHOGENIC POTENTIAL OF SHOOT REGENERATION FROM ROOT EXPLANT OF LOTUS-CORNICULATUS L SEEDLING

Experiments were carried out using seedling root explant of Lotus corn iculatus L. (Birdsfoot trefoil) to describe morphogenic potential for shoot regeneration of three explants originated from different parts o f root. Seedlings were maintained on MS hormone-free medium. Explants were isolated from 4, 8 and 16-day old seedlings. Explants cultured on MS hormone-free medium regenerated shoots and roots. Buds were only f ormed on proximal end of explants while roots on the distal end. Expla nt position in root affects its morphogenic reponse. Explants located proximally regenerated more of shoots than those originated from the d istal end. The age of seedling did not modify the explant response on in vitro conditions. In the presence of 0.1 mg/l 6-benzylaminopurine ( BAP) the number of regenerated plants was higher, because numerous mer istematic zones formed in secondary cortex. In contrast to the explant response on hormone-free medium, disturbances of explant polarity wer e observed. Roots were not regenerated from explant tissue. Low BAP co ncentration i.e. 0.1 mg/l in medium cancelled the effect of explant po sition.