Callus induction and plant regeneration of Lychnis wilfordii (Regel) Maxim a critically endangered plant in Korea

Lychnis wilfordii (Regel) Maxim is a rare and valued ornamental plant. Germination rate reached 46.6% when seeds were treated with 100 mg.l-1 GA (Gibberellic acid)3. The highest callus induction was observed in the leaf explants of the seedlings on MS medium containing specific concentrations of 0.5 mg.l-1 BA (N6-benzyladenine) and 3.0 mg.l-1 NAA (a-naphthalene acetic acid). The adventitious shoot was formed in 97.3% of calli on 1/2 WPM (Woody Plant Medium) medium. Shoot elongation of in vitro propagated plantlets was no difference among various medium. The plantlets grew well after transferring to the pot. This in vitro propagation protocol should be useful for conservation of this endangered plant.