In vitro callus induction and regeneration of medicinal plant Cannabis sativa L.

The present study was carried out to investigate the possibility of micro-propagation and to determine the optimal medium composition and combination of Cannabis sativa L. growth regulators under in vitro conditions. Seeds were surface-sterilized and then cultured on MS basal medium. One month later, leaf and hypocotyl explants, obtained from the seedlings grown at in vitro condition, were used in MS culture medium containing NAA hormone (0.5, 1, 2 and 3 mg/l) either alone or in combination with 0.5mg/l BA; and 2,4-D (0.1, 0.2, 0.5 and 1 mg/l) alone or in combination with 0.5mg/l BA. Callus formation was the response of explants in most media. Direct shoot regeneration from explants was not observed but shoot induction from callus was seen only in 0.1 mg/L 2,4-D 0.5 mg/L BA. The highest volume of induced callus was formed on MS medium 0.1 mg/L 2,4-D 0.5 mg/L BA using leaf as explant. Root induction from some explants was observed in different treatments. The highest fresh weight of calli belonged to the leaf explant cultured on MS medium containing 1 mg/L 2,4-D 0.5 mg/L BA. Callus induction and rooting occurred easily and the explants did not respond well to regeneration.