Seed Viability Test, Germination Rate and In vitro Regeneration of Some Alkanna Species

In this study, it was aimed to test the seed viability of Alkanna orientalis and endemic Alkanna sieheana species rich in Alkannin/Shikonin (A/S) and to determine the germination percentage and callus regeneration suitable for in vitro A/S production. The viability rates of seeds collected from nature were determined by the tetrazolium method. The germination rates of the seeds of both species were tested with three different applications (on filter paper, MS nutrient medium with agar, in peat). The seed coats of both species were removed, and their embryos were cultivated in Murashige and Skoog (MS) media containing plant growth regulators in various proportions. The viability rates of the seeds were found at 98.3% for A. orientalis and 96.0% for A. sieheana. Germination rates were determined only on filter paper as 8.3% for A. orientalis and 5.0% for A. sieheana, no germination was observed in other applications. The highest zygotic shoot and root formation rate were obtained from A. orientalis with 91.6% and 40.3%, respectively. But, the highest callus formation rate was observed on A. siehenea with 75.0%. As a result, it was determined that although the viability rates were high in both species, the germination rates were low, but in vitro reproducibility was possible.