Marzieh Babashpour-Asl - Department of Horticultural Science, Maragheh Branch, Islamic Azad University, Maragheh, Iran
Ali Movafeghi - Department of Plant Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
Khadijeh Zare - Department of Biology, Ahar Branch, Islamic Azad University, Ahar, Iran

To optimize conditions for micropropagating Galanthus transcaucasicus Fomin, the effect of explant type, different concentrations of sucrose, type and different concentrations of auxin were examined on bulblet production. For the induction of bulblets, three types of bulb scales were usesd as explants. A two-step sterilization procedure was applied. Assessments were made after incubation for ۲۰ weeks at ۲۳±۱ºC with ۱۶h photoperiods. Highest number of bulblets were proliferated culturing bulb scales on  modified MS medium supplemented with ۲.۰ mg.l-۱ BA and ۲.۰ mg.l-۱ IBA. About  ۲۷% of bulblets were bigger than ۵ mm in diameter, suitable for acclimatization. With the increase of sucrose concentration, number of bulblets decreased, but their size increased. This protocol provided a basis for future study on large-scale multiplication system for commercial nurseries of Galanthus transcaucasicus.

Micropropagation, Snowdrop, Tissue culture