Development of an efficient protocol for high-frequency regeneration system in Hibiscus syriacus L.

A rapid and efficient in vitro regeneration system was established for Hibiscus syriacus L. The successful regeneration protocol employs induction of shoot organogenesis on leaf, petiole, and root explants. Among the various plant growth regulators evaluated, thidiazuron (TDZ) was the most effective for inducing rapid shoot formation. Most efficient shoot regeneration frequency was obtained from Murashige and Skoog (MS) media containing 0.01 mg/L TDZ. Regeneration efficiency was highest in the roots, and lowest in the leaves. A combination of 0.01 mg/L TDZ with benzyladenine (BAP) markedly improved the frequency of shoot differentiation from the root (up to 98%) and petiole (up to 88%) explants. Furthermore, leaf and petiole explants showed the highest frequency of shoot induction in half-strength MS media containing 0.01 mg/L TDZ and 1.0 mg/L BAP, while root explants formed the greatest number of shoots when 0.01 mg/L TDZ and 0.1 mg/L BAP were added to half-strength MS media. Although the frequency of shoot differentiation from leaf explants was only 50%, the leaf is considered the most efficient plant organ for use in tissue culture because leaves are easier to obtain than roots and petioles. Our findings show that various organs of H. syriacus can be used for plant regeneration, and the protocol developed in this study may be applicable in the horticulture industry.