Somatic embryogenesis from stem and leaf explants of Sanchi ginseng (Panax notoginseng) and genetic stability assessment of regenerated plantlets using SCoT markers

Sanchi ginseng (Panax notoginseng), a highly valuable medicinal plant, is at risk of over-exploitation. This study aimed to regenerate somatic embryos from stem- and leaf-derived callus, and evaluate the genetic stability of regenerated plantlets. Callus was optimally induced from stem and leaf explants on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 1 mg/L 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and either 0.4 mg/L thidiazuron (TDZ) or 0.2 mg/L kinetin, and proliferated effectively with 0.5 mg/L 2,4-D combined with 0.4 mg/L TDZ or 0.2 mg/L kinetin. Optimal somatic embryogenesis from stem- and leaf-derived callus was achieved on Schenk and Hildebrandt (SH) medium containing 0.5 mg/L 2,4-D, 0.5 mg/L 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA), 1.0 mg/L benzyl adenine (BA), and 30% coconut water (CW). Genetic fidelity of embryo-derived plantlets to the donor plant was confirmed through monomorphic banding patterns of 10 Start Codon Targeted (SCoT) marker products. The genetically stable plantlets produced from stem- and leaf-derived embryos significantly improved the propagation efficiency of this species.