In vitro selection of Plantago psyllium L. for salt tolerance and changes of sodium, calcium and potassium levels at callus stage

Plantago psyllium L. is from "Plantaginaceae" family and one of the most important medicinal plants with wide distribution in Iranian flora. In order to evaluate responses of Plantago psyllium L. to salinity, an experiment was conducted using tissue culture technique as well as somaclonal variation for identification and production of tolerant genotypes. The experiment was performed based on a completely randomized design with 12 treatments and 15 replications on each treatment. Seed germination percentage was 84%. Hypocotyl and root explants showed the highest and the lowest callus induction in non-saline (control) conditions respectively. In the terms of stress condition percentage of callus induction was decreased by increasing NaCl concentration on all of the three explants. Hypocotyl and root callus showed the highest and the lowest percentage of regeneration. Hypocotyl and root explants showed the highest and the lowest dry and fresh weight at all concentrations of NaCl. Also increment of NaCl concentrations led to increment of sodium and decrement of potassium ingredients of the callus. Amount of calcium varied by increasing NaCl concentration. Regenerated plants transferred to MS medium for root initiation. Then the seedlings were transferred to soil to set seed. Generally, in vitro selection is a suitable method for identification and selection of the tolerant genotypes to salinity in Plantago psyllium.