Plant regeneration from Ilex spp. (Aquifoliaceae) in vitro

In vitro plant regeneration from nodal segments (containing one axillary bu d) of seven species of the genus flex (I. argentina, I. brevicuspis, I. dum osa, I. microdonta, I. pseudoboxus, I. taubertiana and I. theezans) were re adily achieved through three steps: 1) shoot regeneration by in vitro cultu re of nodal segments in MS medium at 1/4 strength, plus 3% sucrose and 0.65 % agar (1/4MS) and 0.5 muM BA (45 days of culture); 2) Induction of rooting from regenerated shoots with 1/4MS (solidified with 2.5 g.L-1 "Phytagel") with 7.3 muM IBA (7 days) and, 3) subculture of shoot on a fresh medium (1/ 4MS lacking plant growth regulators) during 21 days. Shoot regeneration of other three species (I. aquifolium, I. brasiliensis and I. integerrima) wer e also obtained by in vitro culture of nodal segments. Shoot regeneration o f I. aquifolium, I. brasiliensis, I. integerrima, I. microdonta, I. pseudob oxus, and I. taubertiana were also obtained by culture shoot tips on 1/4MS and 0.5 muM BA. Shoot regeneration from meristems of I. argentina, I. brevi cuspis, I. dumosa, and I. theezans were readily achieved by in vitro cultur e on the same medium.