MICROCLONAL GROWTH OF SILYBUM MARIANUM SEEDS

Abstract

In this article, the present study is devoted to the introduction of Silybum marianum L. into in vitro culture and the optimization of microclonal propagation conditions for its efficient mass multiplication. The research was carried out using apical meristems, lateral buds, and young leaf explants obtained from healthy 20–25-day-old Silybum marianum plants. A stepwise sterilization protocol involving 70% ethanol (30 s) followed by 0.1% HgCl₂ (5 min) ensured a high level of aseptic culture establishment, reducing contamination to 93–95%. Explants were cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with different concentrations of cytokinin (BAP) and auxin (NAA) to determine optimal hormonal combinations. The results demonstrated that MS medium supplemented with 1.0 mg/l BAP and 0.2 mg/l NAA was the most effective for callus induction and shoot regeneration, achieving up to 85 ± 4% bud formation within 20–22 days.