Producing callus and somatic embryogenesis of Agropyron cristatum on Murashige and Skoog medium

Agropyron cristatum L. Gaertn. is a native grass of semiarid region in Iran which is quit resistant to cool and drought climate and withstand heavy grazing. This species has close phylogenetic relationship with Triticum and Hordeum. In this research, the effect of seven different concentrations of growth regulator 2,4-D on callus production and somatic embryogenesis of A. cristatum was investigated on Murashige and Skoog medium. The results showed that the rate of callus, embryo and neomorph were highest in 1 mg L^-1 2,4-D. Callus production was increased in 1 mg L^-1 2,4-D but dramatically decreased at 5.5 and 9 mg L^-1 2,4-D. The somatic embryos were observed at 1 and 4 mg L^-1 2,4-D but matured embryos and plantlet were only occurred at 1 mg L^-1 2,4-D. There were significant differences between 1 mg L^-1 2,4-D and other treatments for producing globular and torpedo embryos, plantlet, rooted callus and number of roots (P<0.05) and there was not any callus production and embryogenesis in control treatment without growth regulator.