SEM and light microscopic studies on direct shoot regeneration from ray florets of Chrysanthemum

Ray florets of Chrysanthemum morifolium cv. Colchi Bahar regenerated shoots directly from its basal part on MS medium supplemented with 0.2 mg/l NAA a nd 1 mg/l BAP. Light microscopic and scanning electron microscopic observat ion of direct shoot organogenesis on the surface of ray florets at differen t culture periods revealed that promeristem initiation occurred in the oute r cell layer near the basal part of the ray florets and globular protrusion s were first visible after 9 days of culture. This meristematic nodule furt her developed into shoot bud during culture.