3.2. Influence of PCIB and TIBA on regeneration
Leaf explants cultured on basal or TDZ-containing media supplemented with the auxin activity inhibitor PCIB showed no regeneration even though the explants remained alive (Fig. 3). Regeneration potential of leaf explants was completely suppressed with increasing levels of PCIB. However, with the inclusion of TDZ in the medium, a limited regeneration response was observed at the lower PCIB concentration of 20 μM (Fig. 3) indicating that the explants had the capacity to regenerate. Similarly, fewer regenerants were formed when leaf explants were cultured on the basal medium supplemented with the auxin transport inhibitor TIBA (Fig. 4). Leaf explants exposed to TIBA at lower concentrations of 20 and 40 μM showed signs of regeneration with as many as 10 regenerants per explant. The presence of TDZ in the medium alleviated the TIBA-induced inhibition and the explants developed 18–24 regenerants per explant (Fig. 4).