In vitro culture of species and varieties of four Amaranthus L. species

Callus induction, callus growth and organogenetic processes were investigated in hypocotyl and stem cultures of four species of Amaranthus each of which comprised several varieties. Callus formation occurred in almost all the varieties in 100% of explants. The combinations of naphtaleneacetic acid plus benzylaminopurine or 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid plus Kinetin were very effective in causing callus formation; the results for callus growth in presence of the same growth regulator combinations revealed in some cases significant differences among the varieties. As far organogenesis-based on a few varieties-only A. caudatus and A. hypochondriacus responded well forming shoots from callus when cultured in presence of indoleacetic acid plus Kinetin and/or indoleacetic acid plus benzylaminopurine. Root regeneration was also observed in several varieties. Complete plantlets were obtained from rooted shoots. The results are discussed in relation to hormonal effect and the genotype importance.