In vitro selection of Plantago ovata for NaCl tolerance

Plantago ovata is from "Plantaginaceae" family which has several species. It is an annual herbaceous plant. Its height reaches to 10-40 cm. Its primary origin is India and Pakistan and it has wide distribution in Iranian flora. In order to evaluate responses of Plantago ovata to salinity an experiment was conducted using in vitro selection and tissue culture technique as well as somaclonal variation for identification and production of tolerant genotypes. The experiment was performed based on a completely randomized design with 12 treatments and 15 replications in each treatment. Hypocotyl and root explants showed the highest and the lowest callus induction respectively in non-saline (control) condition. Regeneration percentage of hypocotyl calli at all NaCl concentrations was more than cotyledon calli. Increasing concentrations of NaCl led to reduce percentage of regeneration. Cotyledon and root explants showed the highest and the lowest dry and fresh weight at all concentrations of NaCl. Also increasing of NaCl concentrations led to increment of sodium and decrement of potassium ingredients of callus. Amount of calcium varied by increasing NaCl concentration. Rooting happened a week after transferring regenerated plants to rooting medium. Then suitable seedlings were transferred to soil.