FLOWERING OF GEOPHYTES IN VITRO

In vitro flowering is advantageous, especially for species with a long juvenile period like geophytes. The reviewed studies showed that in vitro conditions significantly shortened the juvenile period in geophytes. Media components, level of plant growth regulators (PGR), and culture conditions affect in vitro flowering, as does the physiological stage of the mother plant and the organ or tissue source of the explant. Thus, in vitro conditions can be manipulated and provide an alternative controlled system necessary to study flower induc - tion, as well as inflorescence and flower morphogenesis. It can also be applied as a tool to accelerate breeding programs or can be adjusted to commercial production of specific compounds from floral organs. The levels and ratio of promoting and retarding PGR in the medium were found to be strongly correlated with the initia- tion and development of floral organs from buds or callus tissue. Recently, PGR levels were shown to affect gene regulation of floral organ development in vitro. This review covers various aspects of controlling flower induction and development of geophytes in vitro. The review emphasizes the importance of the tissue culture system as a tool to study various aspects of flowering control for the potential advancement of geophytes in the ornamental, food, medicinal, and craft industries.