Evidence of efficient in vitro micropropagation from bulb scales of starch grape hyacinth (Muscari neglectum Guss. Ex. Ten.)

Muscari neglectum is a widespread plant species that grows in various areas of the Mediterranean region in the wild. The species has a high potential for use as cut flowers, outdoor or indoor ornamental or garden plants. It is also used as a food, and forage plant on limited scales in rural areas. There is a lack of commercial production protocols for M. neglectum. The development of a fast and efficient protocol for commercial production, may contribute to the economy of T?rkiye and improve local people?s quality of life. Therefore, this study aimed to develop safe in vitro vegetative propagation techniques using 2, 3, 4, and 5 bulb scale explants on MS medium using 1 mg BAP L-1 + 0.00, 0.40, 0.60, 0.80, 1.00,1.20 mg NAA L-1. Any number of bulb scale explants obtained from freshly harvested bulbs were not suitable for micropropagation and developed necrosis. However, any number of bulb scales obtained from 6 weeks of waiting for bulbs did not show the problem. A regeneration percentage of 13.33 to 100% was noted on 2-scale explants. Additionally, 100% callus formation was observed on these scales using MS medium containing 1 mg BAP L-1 + 0.8, 1.0, and 1.20 mg NAA L-1 (3 combinations). In addition, 1.93 bulblets with a diameter of 0.97 cm (the largest) were observed on MS medium containing 1 mg BAP L-1 + 0.4 mg NAA L-1. Although, 3, 4, and 5 bulb scale explants induced bulblets in variable numbers, the rate of bulblet induction was not at par with bulblet induction on 2 scale explants. The largest bulblets developed on 2-scale explants were rooted on ? ? MS medium containing 0.5 mg NAA L-1. The results obtained for micropropagation of M. neglectum species are of great importance for the commercial production of the species.