RAPID MULTIPLICATION OF ADVENTITIOUS SOMATIC EMBRYOS OF PANAX-GINSENG

Somatic embryos and embryogenic callus were initiated from immature zy gotic embryos of ginseng (Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer). These somatic emb ryos were multiplied by adventitious (secondary and tertiary) embryoge nesis and their growth and development were dependent on growth hormon es in the medium. Auxins, 2,4-D, NAA, and IAA at 1.0 mg l-1 were effec tive in inducing secondary and tertiary somatic embryos, which prolife rated directly from the apical or cotyledonary portions of the primary somatic embryos. Single somatic embryos or clusters of embryos develo ped from the explanted primary embryos. Cytokinin (Kn, BA) inhibited a dventitious embryogenesis. Secondary somatic embryos developed to matu ration and later regenerated into plantlets in two stage process; firs tly elongation of the shoot axes on MS + 1.0 mg l-1 Kn, secondly forma tion of root on 1.0 mg l-1 Kn + 1.0 mg l-1 GA3 medium.