Effects of plant hormones on the characteristics and the genetic stability of calli induced from the ex vitro tissues of Celosia argentea var cristata

Celosia argentea var cristata, commonly known as the cockscomb plant, is a popular ornamental species in Vietnam. Its propagation primarily relies on seeds, enabling widespread cultivation but leading to a notable absence of micropropagation research in the country. This practice poses a potential threat to preserving unique traits susceptible to loss through segregation. To address this gap, this study focused on the impact of plant hormones on callus formation in various aerial tissues - leaves, stems, and newly emerging inflorescences - gathered from plants grown on soil. The calli displayed distinct morphological characteristics under the influence of different combinations of 6-Benzyladenine (BAP), 1-Naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA), and 2,4-Dicholo-rophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D). Furthermore, we investigated the genetic stability of C. argentea var cristata calli using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers. The calli persistently cultured on medium containing 2 mg/L BAP and 2 mg/L NAA maintained their genetics stability, as assessed through four RAPD markers: OPA-13, OPA-15, OPA-18 (G), and OPD-2.