Formation of Cardenolides in Cell and Organ Cultures of Digitalis lanata

Somatic embryogenesis from hypocotyl callus cultures of Digitalis obscura L

Hypocotyl-derived calli obtained in agar solidified medium with several growth regulator combinations gave rise to proembryonal masses and globular embryos when transferred to liquid media with lower growth regulator and higher NH4HO3 levels. By transferring cultures from liquid media to different solidified media, new embryo formation took place, but further development of these embryos or those previously induced depended on the characteristics of these media. Normal development was only achieved on 8 g/l agar solidified medium without growth regulators. Typical cotyledonary embryos developed into whole plants when transferred to this same medium.