Producing of embryogenic callus from zygotic embryo in Dorema ammoniacum D.

Dorema ammoniacum is a native medicinal plant in Iran, which due to ruinous harvesting practices and its natural habitats are destroyed in the country, the species is getting endangered. Somatic embryogenesis is considered as useful method for propagation of plants. In the present study induction of embryogenic callus from zygotic embryo of this plant were investigated using MS and ½ MS basal media and also the different concentrations of NAA and BA hormones. It was observed that MS medium containing 1 mg/l NAA with 0.5 mg/l BA hormones was the best medium for callus induction and maximum number of somatic embryos production. Furthermore, MS basal medium compared to ½ MS basal medium showed a better result, not only in the callus formation but also in the somatic embryogenesis. No embryogenesis was observed after sub-culturing of non-embryogenic calluses in hormone-free MS basal medium. When embryos were transferred to media without growth regulators, whole plantlets were regenerated.