Somatic Embryogenesis from Hairy Roots Transformed by Agrobacterium Rhizogenes in Panax Ginseng

An efficient in vitro protocol for somatic embryo- genesis of hairy roots of Panxa ginseng has been established. Hairy roots of Panax ginseng were obtained after root disks were infected with Agrobacterium rhizogenes A₄. Callus was induced on MS (Murashige and Skoog 1962) medium containing 2,4-D (2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid), BA (6-Benzyl-aminopurine), Kin (Kinetin). The highest frequency of callus formation was 99.3% on MS medium supplied with BA and Kin and those callus have fewer secondary roots. Embryogenic callus was efficiently achieved by lowering the concentration of plant growth regulators. The frequency of somatic embryogenesis from hairy roots on MS medium with 0.5 mg ^-1 2,4-D and 0.1 mg ^-1 Kin was up to 42.7%. Embryogenic callus can further develop to germinate on MS basal medium supplemented with different concentration GA₃ and the highest germination was obtained on medium with 5 mg ^-1 GA₃ (Gibberellic acid).