The Effects of Casein and Its Constituents on the Development of Tissue Culture and Somatic Embryogenesis from Malva silvestris L.: A Preliminary Study

SUMMARY

We investigated the kinetics of common mallow (Malva silvestris L.) petiole tissue growth and development in vitro, focusing on somatic embryo development at different concentrations of casein (0, 100, 200, 500 mg L⁻¹). The results indicated the key role of casein (100–200 mg L⁻¹) and potassium in the induction of direct somatic embryogenesis combined with a culture duration greater than 10 days. They also provided important information concerning morphogenic, physiological and biochemical aspects in addition to structural and developmental patterns in somatic embryogenesis from this still under-exploited medicinal plant species.

KEYWORDS:

• Amino acids
• common mallow
• casein hydrolysate
• somatic embryogenesis
• Malva silvestris