Improved Micropropagation of Root Chicory, Cichorium intybus L. var. sativus

The establishment of an efficient protocol for plant regeneration and micropropagation from leaf explant cultures of Chicory, Cichorium intybus L. var. sativus. is reported. Callus formation rate appeared 100% from explant in all growth regulators, but calli formed in the prensence of naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) were appeared very compact and non-embryogenic state. The regenerated shoots were obtained from leaf explant cultures on solid MS medium containing different concentrations of cytokinins and auxin. The highest number of shoots (5.7) per explant and shoot growth (2.8㎝) was obtained on MS medium containing 0.1 ㎎ BAP L -1 and 0.1 ㎎ NAA L -1 . Indole acetic acid was the most suitable auxin for root formation among three auxins tested. 2,4-D had no effect on shoot and root formation.