This long-term study demonstrates for the first time that it is possible to propagate embryogenic cultures in pelargoniums and to subsequently initiate the differentiation of embryos using the cultivar Madame Layal (
Pelargonium x
domesticum
). Propagation of callus was only possible with combinations of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP), which gave rise to embryos from the primary culture stage on. However, the propagation of cells, as well as the differentiation of embryos, was inhibited by a continuous application of these growth regulators. For this reason, a long period on medium lacking growth regulators was necessary before the differentiation of embryos occurred again. The consequences for improving the propagation of embryogenic cultures in pelargoniums are discussed.
