Bigleaf magnolia (Magnolia macrophylla Michx.) cultures were initiated
from immature seeds on an induction medium containing 9.0 muM 2,4-D,
1.1 muM BA, and 1 g casein hydrolysate/liter. After 2 months on induct
ion medium, one culture produced adventive embryos. Clumps of embryos
transferred to liquid induction medium proliferated as nodules, which
grew in diameter, but failed to produce embryos while maintained in in
duction medium. Nodules transferred to basal medium produced clumps of
somatic embryos, which continued to produce repetitive embryos with m
onthly transfer to fresh basal medium. Individual embryos transferred
to basal medium lacking casein hydrolysate germinated and leaves expan
ded. Plantlets derived from these embryos were transferred to potting
mix and acclimatized to greenhouse conditions. Chemical names used: (2
,4-dichlorophenoxy)acetic acid (2,4-D); N-(phenylmethyl)-1H-purin-6-am
ine (BA).