PLANT-REGENERATION FROM DIFFERENT EXPLANTS IN HELIANTHUS-SMITHII HEISER

Leaf, rhizome, and stem explants of Helianthus smithii, a wild relativ e of the cultivated sunflower, have been tested for their morphogenic potential on media containing a range of hormonal combinations includi ng a-naphthaleneacetic acid and 6-benzylaminopurine (0-2 mg/l). Somati c embryos appeared on the majority of the tested media incorporating a uxins, while shoots were observed on media containing exclusively 6-be nzylaminopurine. Fertile plants were recovered from all explant types under a wide range of conditions, albeit with different efficiencies. The induction mechanism of the observed shoots is discussed.