In vitro culture and cytological features of two Moringa species cultivated in Egypt

Abstract

The significance of Moringa lies in its diverse advantages, encompassing nutritional richness, medicinal properties, and potential environmental sustainability. The current study sheds light on the impact of explant type and medium composition on callus and shoot induction of two Moringa species cultivated in Egypt. Additionally, it investigates certain cytological features in root tip cells of those plants as well as cells of induced calli in vitro, such as cell shape, size and mitotic activity. The results revealed notable differences in callus induction and its fresh and dry weights between the two Moringa species (M. oleifera and M. stenopetala), as well as among MS media used. Furthermore, the study demonstrated significant variations in response of two tested explants (leaves and hypocotyls). Active meristematic cells were classified into three types: Type I includes dividing cells, Type II consists of meristematic cells with diffused chromatin, and Type III represents cylindrical cells with diffused chromatin. Interestingly, the percentages of dividing cells may suggest the mitotic index (MI), with the MI being considerably higher in cells of M. oleifera compared to M. stenopetala.