Abstract: A reproducible protocol for somatic embryogenesis was established for the ornamental ginger Hedychium coccineum using filaments and anthers. After culture for 120 days，callus was induced on Murashige and Skoog（MS）medium supplemented with 4 mg ? L-1 2,4-D，4 mg ? L-1 NAA，1 mg ? L-1 6-BA，30 g ? L-1 sucrose and 7 g ? L-1 agar，proliferated on MS medium containing 1 mg ? L-1 2,4-D，0.25 mg ? L-1 NAA，0.25 mg ? L-1 6-BA，30 g ? L-1 sucrose and 7 g ? L-1 agar. Light yellow and friable embryogenic callus was obtained. Embryogenic calli were suspended in liquid medium containing MS basal salts，B5 vitamins，100 mg ? L-1 glutamine，230 mg ? L-1 proline，100 mg ? L-1 malt extract，0.02mg ? L-1 NAA，0.02 mg ? L-1 TDZ，0.5–1.0 mg ? L-1 2,4-D and 45 g ? L-1sucrose. After 3 months culture，a homogeneous and stable embryogenic cell suspension（ECS），composed of small cell aggregates，was established. Planting of stable ECS on somatic embryo induction media containing Schenk and Hildebrandt（SH）basal salts，B5 vitamins，100 mg ? L-1 glutamine，230 mg ? L-1 proline，100 mg ? L-1 malt extract，0.25 mg ? L-1 NAA，0–0.20 mg ? L-1 TDZ，45 g ? L-1 sucrose and 7 g ? L-1 agar. White and translucent globular embryos were induced after 10 days culture，and mature somatic embryos were obtained after 20 days culture. The highest induction frequency of 4 500 somatic embryos ? mL-1 PCV ECS（PCV：packed cell volume）was derived from medium with 0.15 mg ? L-1 TDZ. A germination percentage of 100% were observed in germination media，which consisted of SH basal salts，B5 vitamins，0.20 mg ? L-1 IAA and 0.25–1.0 mg ? L-1 6-BA. Regenerated plantlets with normal shoot and root were developed after one month on half strength MS medium with 1 g ? L-1 active charcoal. Well rooted plantlets were successfully acclimatized with a survival rate of 90% and grew vigorously.

Key words: Hedychium coccineum, embryogenic cell suspensions, somatic embryogenesis, plant regeneration